Manila, September 9 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, will visit New Delhi, India from September 12 to 13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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At a Palace press briefing on September 9, 2026, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said President Marcos will attend the summit in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.
“Through this visit, the President seeks to ensure that our modern partnerships remain open, resilient, and capable of delivering prosperity to our people,” Ratonel said.
Ratonel said the summit will provide President Marcos an opportunity to present the Philippines’ key priorities as ASEAN Chair, particularly in the areas of peace and security, people empowerment, and prosperity.
She said the President’s participation is also a strategic opportunity for the Philippines and ASEAN to engage major emerging economies and explore greater cooperation in trade, investment, regional security, and climate resilience.
“Creating synergies doon sa priorities ng ASEAN and BRICS can lead to economic opportunities, trade diversification, regional security, and support for climate resilience,” Ratonel said.
Ratonel stressed that the Philippines’ engagement with BRICS remains anchored in its commitment to ASEAN centrality, while recognizing the value of working with international partners to address pressing global issues and challenges.
She noted that BRICS economies account for a significant share of global economic output and trade and nearly half of the world’s population.
This year’s BRICS Summit carries the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” focusing on global economic uncertainties, digital public infrastructure, innovation, and collective climate action.
BRICS was established as a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and has since expanded to include other major emerging economies. The group serves as a platform for cooperation on economic, political, and development issues.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Marcos is expected to meet with Prime Minister Modi to discuss progress on the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership and review implementation of the five-year Plan of Action for 2025 to 2029.
The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on economic issues affecting their respective countries and peoples.
President Marcos will also meet with Indian business leaders to strengthen trade and investment ties and follow up on pledges and commitments made during his state visit to India in August 2025.
During that visit, Indian companies made investment pledges and commitments worth US$5.8 billion covering various sectors, including technology, health, energy, and infrastructure.
Ratonel said President Marcos will also have opportunities to engage with other participating leaders representing some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.
The President will be accompanied by a lean delegation including Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, and Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go.
