New Delhi, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Philippines strategic partnership and explored ways to enhance cooperation between India and ASEAN. Modi also extended birthday wishes to President Marcos Jr. during their meeting.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in various areas of bilateral cooperation. They agreed to deepen collaboration in fields such as defense and security, trade and investment, space, railway infrastructure, fintech, education, tourism, science and technology, innovation, and people-to-people connections.
The ministry’s statement noted that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations under the strategic partnership established during President Marcos’s visit to India in August 2025.
As the current chair of ASEAN, Modi welcomed the Philippines’ participation in the BRICS Summit. He also praised the Philippines’ decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
On social media platform X, Modi expressed his pleasure in meeting President Marcos Jr. and reiterated their discussion on the growing momentum of the India-Philippines strategic partnership. He highlighted key areas of cooperation, including economic ties, technology, trade, space, innovation, and creative industries, while also addressing measures to strengthen India-ASEAN collaboration.
During their discussion, both leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials from both nations were present at the meeting. Before the discussions, Modi and Marcos greeted each other warmly, with Marcos introducing Modi to his delegation.
Earlier, President Marcos participated in the ‘Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability’ session of the BRICS Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. On the second day of the summit, he took a family photo with Modi and leaders from BRICS member countries, partner nations, invited outreach countries, and international organizations.
India is hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi as it holds the presidency in 2026. Leaders from BRICS member countries, partner nations, and invited outreach countries are attending the summit.
BRICS member countries include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Partner nations in BRICS include Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also attended a gala dinner hosted by Modi in honor of BRICS leaders on Saturday evening at Bharat Mandapam.
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