Marcos eyes lower medicine costs in state visit to India

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. receives departure honors at Villamor Air Base on August 4, 2025, as he embarks on a five-day state visit to India aimed at boosting cooperation in healthcare, trade, and strategic partnerships. PCO

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday embarked on a five-day state visit to India with a clear goal: to secure concrete gains for Filipinos, including cheaper medicine, stronger economic ties, and improved cooperation in sectors like agriculture, connectivity, and pharmaceuticals.

“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits for the Filipino people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security,” Marcos said in his departure statement before boarding his flight to New Delhi.

The President underscored the urgency of maximizing trade and investment opportunities with India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy.

“It is incumbent upon us, now more than ever, to maximize the opportunities in trade and investment with the world’s fourth largest economy,” he said.

While Marcos is overseas, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrad Estrella III, and Education Secretary Sonny Angara have been designated to oversee the country’s day-to-day affairs.

Accompanied by key Cabinet officials, the President aims to fast-track the formalization of a strategic partnership with India that spans multiple sectors.

He stressed the need to translate diplomatic intentions into actionable plans. “A close strategic relationship with India is turned into a reality as quickly as possible as we make our commitments at the highest levels of government and business,” he said.

Marcos noted the broad scope of potential collaboration, including defense, trade, agriculture, health, and tourism.

“We intend to explore these potentials by charting a plan of cooperation across a broad spectrum of shared interests: from defense, trade, and investment, to health and pharmaceuticals, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and many others,” the President said.

In New Delhi, Marcos will meet with the Filipino community, hold bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and engage with major Indian business players—some of whom already have a presence in the Philippines.

He expressed hope that the visit will lead to the expansion of partnerships with Indian firms and the infusion of new investments that will benefit the Philippine economy./PN

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