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Key Points

BJP President JP Nadda met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Delhi as part of the 'Know BJP' initiative. The leaders discussed party-to-party ties and healthcare cooperation. Marcos Jr. praised the visit as highly productive, reflecting strong bilateral relations. Defence, trade, and regional stability were key focus areas during the discussions.

Key Points: BJP Chief Nadda Meets Philippines President Marcos in Delhi

  • Nadda explains BJP's ideology and structure to Marcos Jr.
  • Defence and trade ties strengthened during the visit
  • Both nations express concern over South China Sea tensions
  • Marcos Jr. calls Indo-Pacific the "correct evolution of Asia Pacific"
3 min read

JP Nadda meets Philippines President Marcos in Delhi as part of 'Know BJP' initiative

BJP President JP Nadda discusses party ties and healthcare cooperation with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his India visit.

"It has been one of my most productive and constructive visits that I have ever had. – Ferdinand Marcos Jr."

New Delhi, August 6

Union Health Minister and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday met with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., in New Delhi as part of the BJP's outreach programme, 'Know BJP'.

https://x.com/JPNadda/status/1952731806031077875

Sharing details of the interaction, Nadda posted on X, "During our discussion, I briefed him on how the world's largest political party functions, including its ideology, organisational structure and outreach. We exchanged valuable insights to strengthen party-to-party ties.

We also had a detailed discussion on how to enhance cooperation in the healthcare sector. Looking forward to continued cooperation and mutual progress."

The meeting came on the sidelines of Marcos Jr.'s five-day state visit to India. Calling it one of the "most productive and constructive" visits he has ever had, the Philippines President said it reflected the "enduring closeness" between the two countries.

Speaking at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr. said, "It has been one of my most productive and constructive visits that I have ever had, and I attribute this to the enduring closeness between the Philippines and India."

Earlier on Tuesday, India and the Philippines agreed to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Marcos Jr. also pushed for the early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to boost mutual trade.

Defence cooperation was a key focus, with the Philippines' President thanking PM Modi for support in the defence sector, including the export of BrahMos missile systems.

In a joint statement, the two countries raised concern over the situation in the South China Sea, indirectly referring to China. They called for peace, stability and respect for international law in the region.

Earlier on Monday, Marcos Jr. met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kick off his five-day official visit to India. He also held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House.

Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt, the visiting Philippines President also remarked, "Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," describing his visit as a reaffirmation of the alliance between India and the Philippines.

This is the first official visit to India by a President of the Philippines since Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022.

He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Cabinet ministers. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the diplomatic efforts are commendable, I hope the 'Know BJP' initiative doesn't overshadow the actual bilateral discussions. Foreign policy should remain party-neutral for long-term stability.
A
Aditya G
The healthcare cooperation angle is interesting! Philippines has strong medical education system while India has pharma strengths. Perfect combo to counter China's medical dominance in the region.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Manila, I'm thrilled to see this engagement! The Indian community here is growing rapidly. More cultural exchanges would be wonderful - maybe Bollywood collaborations with Filipino artists?
K
Karthik V
Smart move discussing South China Sea without naming China directly. India needs to balance relations carefully in this complex geopolitical scenario. Marcos Jr seems like a pragmatic leader.
N
Nisha Z
Hope the trade agreement benefits our MSME sector too, not just big corporations. Philippines imports lots of consumer goods where Indian small businesses can compete if given proper support.

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