New Delhi, India
August 6, 2025

Wrapping up his visit to New Delhi before heading to Bengaluru, India, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a policy address at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) event titled ‘Shifting Indo-Pacific & Geopolitical Tides: Philippines and India as Cross-Sea Partners for a Rules-Based Order.’

Held at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, the policy address underscored the significance of alliances and adaptable strategies in navigating the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region amid escalating geopolitical and economic disruptions.

During a Q&A session with ORF Chairman Sunjoy Joshi, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of forming broad partnerships beyond just security to uphold stability — especially as trade wars, climate change and regional conflicts escalate.

The President also commended India’s efforts to expand trade and highlighted resilience and agility after the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling economic and security challenges. He also underscored the need to strengthen digital collaboration, viewing Indian technology as a gateway for the Philippines to become a regional hub.

Although the current trade is around US$3.3 billion, he expressed optimism about boosting economic cooperation and transforming regional challenges into opportunities for peace and prosperity. He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to stability, resilience and innovation in the Indo-Pacific.

“The only way for middle powers to assert themselves are through being allied together and speaking in many states, many middle powers speaking with one voice. And if there are enough of us, then that voice will be loud enough to be listened to by everyone in the world,” President Marcos Jr. said in concluding the session.

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