Speaking at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr. said, "It has been one of my most productive and constructive visits that I have ever had, and I attribute this to the enduring closeness between the Philippines and India"

President Droupadi Murmu formally welcomed President Marcos Jr. at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. This visit marks a significant milestone as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations

In a post on X, the President of India said, "President Droupadi Murmu received President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. Both leaders agreed that this visit, which coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will help in building a strong Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines"

Earlier on Monday, Marcos Jr. met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kick off his five-day official visit to India. He also held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House

Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt, the visiting Philippines President also remarked, "Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," describing his visit as a reaffirmation of the alliance between India and the Philippines

This is the first official visit to India by a President of the Philippines since Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Cabinet ministers

The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8