NEW DELHI, India — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in the Indian capital to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is expected to represent ASEAN, strengthen the Philippines’ strategic partnership with India and push for greater cooperation in trade, investment, technology and regional security.
Marcos arrived in New Delhi late Friday and is attending the September 12-13 summit at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His participation carries added significance as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair for 2026 and was invited to the summit as an outreach country.
But beyond the high-level meetings and diplomatic ceremonies, Marcos’ visit could open a new chapter in the Philippines’ relationship with one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.
Marcos Brings ASEAN’s Voice to a High-Stakes BRICS Summit
The President said he intends to use the summit to amplify ASEAN’s positions on major global challenges, including peace and security, inclusive growth, food and energy security, climate action and the preservation of a rules-based international order.
Marcos is also expected to call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, responsible use of emerging technologies and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law.
The Philippines sees an opportunity to create greater cooperation between ASEAN and BRICS without compromising ASEAN centrality or the region’s strategic autonomy. Philippine officials have described the engagement as a chance to explore new opportunities in trade diversification, investment, regional security and climate resilience.
The summit comes at a particularly turbulent moment for the global economy and international politics. The expanded BRICS bloc is gathering amid wars, geopolitical rivalries, trade tensions and growing pressure on the global financial system. International reports say leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, trade, payments and reforms to major international financial institutions.
Stronger PH-India Ties High on Marcos’ Agenda
One of the most important parts of Marcos’ trip will be his expected meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
The two leaders are set to review the progress of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership and the Five-Year Plan of Action covering 2025 to 2029.
Their discussions are expected to cover several key areas, including:
- Defense and maritime cooperation
- Trade and investment
- A proposed Preferential Trade Agreement
- Health and pharmaceuticals
- Digital cooperation
- Tourism and direct air connectivity
- Information technology
- People-to-people exchanges
Marcos is also expected to renew his invitation for Modi to visit Manila for the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit later this year.
Can India Bring More Investments to the Philippines?
The economic dimension of Marcos’ India visit could prove especially significant.
During his state visit to India in August 2025, Indian companies made investment pledges and commitments worth about US$5.8 billion in sectors including technology, health, energy and infrastructure, according to Philippine government officials.
This time, Marcos is expected to meet Indian business leaders and follow up on those commitments while promoting new investment opportunities in the Philippines.
The government is particularly looking at potential cooperation in infrastructure, digitalization, information technology, pharmaceuticals, transportation and logistics—sectors considered critical to the Philippines’ long-term economic development.
Why the BRICS Summit Matters for the Philippines
Marcos is not attending the summit as a BRICS member. Instead, his participation reflects the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair and its effort to engage a broader range of international partners.
Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio said the invitation itself reflects recognition of ASEAN’s experience in bringing together a diverse group of countries through dialogue and cooperation.
That experience could become increasingly relevant as BRICS itself grows larger and more diverse.
International coverage has highlighted both the expanding influence and growing internal challenges of the bloc, which now brings together major emerging economies with differing political interests and regional priorities. Leaders gathering in New Delhi face difficult discussions involving global conflicts, trade tensions, economic uncertainty and the future of international cooperation.
A Diplomatic Test With Economic Stakes
For Marcos, the New Delhi trip is more than another international summit.
It is a test of how effectively the Philippines can use its ASEAN leadership to build bridges with major emerging economies while advancing its own national interests.
The President has emphasized that the Philippines wants its modern connections with India to remain open, resilient and capable of delivering concrete benefits to Filipinos.
With billions of dollars in previous investment commitments, a growing strategic partnership and new opportunities in technology, defense, infrastructure and trade now on the table, the question is no longer simply whether the Philippines and India can become closer partners.
The bigger question is what concrete deals and long-term benefits Marcos can bring home from New Delhi.
As world leaders gather for the BRICS Summit, the Philippines will be watching closely to see whether this diplomatic push can translate into stronger investments, new economic opportunities and a more influential role for the country—and ASEAN—on the global stage.
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