Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday met visiting  Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr when the countries decided to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership.

After meeting the President, Modi wrote on X: "India is delighted to welcome the Philippines President, Mr. Bongbong Marcos at a time when we mark 75 years of bilateral relations between our nations. It is equally gladdening that we have decided to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership, which ensures our cooperation becomes more robust and diverse. An Action Plan has also been drawn up in this regard."

Modi said the two countries are working to boost cultural linkages.

"Our nations will work together in tourism, connectivity and holding regular cultural exchange programmes," he said.

Modi said he discussed wide-ranging issues related to bilateral cooperation, regional and global matters during his meeting with the president.

"An important part of the discussion was to boost trade. Other areas like IT, healthcare, automobiles, minerals, space and science offer immense potential too. Growing cooperation in defence and security is also a very welcome development," the Indian PM wrote on X.

On 5 August 2025, President Marcos was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and he visited Raj Ghat to pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

This was followed by bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Marcos.

Thereafter, the leaders witnessed the exchange of bilateral documents. President Marcos attended the luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Modi.