Marcos Arrives in New Delhi for BRICS Summit, Seeks Stronger Trade and Security Ties

Cover image: President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. arrival in New Delhi, India, for the 18th BRICS Summit/Presidential Communications Office/Facebook

NEW DELHI, India — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in New Delhi late Friday, 11 September 2026, to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is set to advance regional priorities and follow up on economic commitments.

The executive aircraft carrying the Chief Executive, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and key Cabinet officials landed at the Palam Air Force Station at 11:50 p.m. local time.

The Philippines was invited to the summit as an "Outreach Country," with President Marcos representing the nation in his capacity as the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In his pre-departure statement, the President outlined the key issues he intends to raise during the summit's Open Session on 13 September.

"We will call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, the responsible use of new technologies, climate action, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law," Marcos said.

Beyond the main summit proceedings, President Marcos is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the progress of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership. The discussions will focus on the Five-Year Plan of Action (2025–2029), spanning defense cooperation, maritime security, digital infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and negotiations surrounding a proposed Preferential Trade Agreement.

The President will also meet with several Indian business executives to follow up on 5.8 billion US dollars in investment pledges secured during his State Visit to India last year, targeting sectors such as transport, logistics, information technology, and health services.