Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for New Delhi, India, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, aiming to advance ASEAN interests and position the Philippines as a prime investment hub. Marcos, attending in his role as this year's ASEAN chair, is set to present the Philippines' key priorities, focusing on peace, security, prosperity, and people empowerment. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos is keen on engaging with the BRICS nations to bolster ASEAN's objectives of peace, inclusive growth, regional resilience, sustainable development, and food and energy security. As the international and regional landscapes face profound changes, Marcos emphasized the importance of unified action on issues affecting the global community. Aligning the Philippines' ASEAN chairship theme, "Navigating Our Future Together," with India's BRICS chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability," Marcos aims to explore greater cooperation in trade, investment, regional secu rity, and climate resilience during the summit. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, is expected to address global economic uncertainties, digital infrastructure, and climate action. On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further the Philippine-India Strategic Partnership. Discussions will include defense and maritime affairs, trade, health, digitalization, and more. Marcos plans to renew his invitation for Modi to visit Manila for the ASEAN-India Summit in November. Marcos' visit also aims to attract Indian investment in the Philippines, focusing on infrastructure, digitalization, IT, pharmaceuticals, transport, and logistics. During a previous state visit to India, he secured USD5.8 billion in investment pledges across various sectors, including technology, health, energy, and infrastructure. Through this trip, Marcos seeks to translate the growing ties with India and ASEAN chairship into tangible benefits for Filipinos and the broader region.
