Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., currently on a five-day state visit to India, described the term “Indo-Pacific” as the appropriate and timely evolution of the former “Asia-Pacific” label, reflecting the shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.
Speaking to reporters after receiving a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan forecourt, Marcos stated, “Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific.” He emphasized that the renaming mirrors the global nature of trade, politics, and the economy, and reaffirms the strengthening alliance between India and the Philippines.
“I think it is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening. What used to be referred to as the Asia Pacific region, we now refer to as the Indo-Pacific region. That is a correct evolution, considering the changing global economy, geopolitics, and new technologies,” Marcos said.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present during the ceremonial reception.
Later today, Marcos is scheduled to hold high-level delegation talks with PM Modi in New Delhi to discuss avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas including defence, trade, maritime security, and emerging technologies.
On Monday, Marcos met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who posted on X: “Delighted to call on President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership.”
This marks Marcos Jr.’s first visit to India since assuming office in 2022, and comes at a momentous time as India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Cabinet Ministers.
