New delhi: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has embarked on the next phase of his state visit to India, traveling to Bengaluru after completing a productive three-day visit in New Delhi. The President's journey to India's technology hub marks the continuation of his five-day official tour aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and India.

According to Philippines News Agency, during his time in New Delhi, Marcos engaged in significant discussions with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both nations committed to elevating their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, underscoring mutual interests and collaboration in various sectors. The President highlighted the openness and willingness from both sides to deepen cooperation, describing his initial visit as 'remarkably productive.'

Key agreements were signed during the New Delhi leg, covering defense, maritime cooperation, health, tourism, space research, and digital technology. Marcos also took the opportunity to address Indian business leaders, meet Filipino community members, and deliver a foreign policy speech at the Observer Research Foundation, where he emphasized the importance of alliances with like-minded nations to maintain peace and uphold international law in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a televised interview with India's Firstpost, Marcos revealed the Philippines' intention to procure additional BrahMos supersonic missiles from India, aligning with the country's military modernization efforts. As he moves to Bengaluru, the President is set to engage with leaders in technology and innovation, reinforcing the Philippines' commitment to advancing digital transformation and exploring emerging technologies.

Bengaluru, known as the 'Silicon Valley of India,' presents a strategic opportunity for the Philippines to expand its cooperation in the thriving technology industry and startup ecosystem prevalent in the city.