01:25Mandatory credit: Presidential Communications Office
Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr wrapped up his participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi by inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manila, as the two countries looked to deepen ties in digital payments, technology and investment.
"I thank Prime Minister Modi and the government and the people of India once again for their friendship and their hospitality. I look forward to receiving Prime Minister Modi in Manila this November," Marcos said from New Delhi on Sunday.
Digital payments were a key area where the two countries looked to deepen ties, with both sides exploring ways to make cross-border transactions easier.
"Exploring interoperability between India's Unified Payments Interface and QR Ph to enable seamless cross-border transactions for consumers, businesses and travellers," Marcos said.
Philippine officials said Marcos also met representatives of NPCI International Limited to advance digital payments cooperation, including a possible partnership with LandBank on a system based on India's UPI. The government said the initiative could improve QR payment interoperability and speed up cross-border transactions.
Technology investment was another focus. Marcos held an executive roundtable with HCLTech, Cognizant, Hinduja Group and VVDN Technologies. Philippine officials said the companies, which already have operations or a presence in the country, indicated plans to expand in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and other technology-driven sectors.
"These engagements reaffirm the strong confidence of Indian business leaders in the Philippine economy and support our vision of establishing the country as a competitive, innovation-driven, and future-ready investment destination," Marcos noted.
The visit built on the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established during Marcos's state visit to India in August 2025. Marcos and Modi also met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to review progress in bilateral cooperation.
Marcos said his meetings in New Delhi had also given the Philippines and ASEAN a clearer view of shifting global economic and political conditions.
"Our task now is to turn that understanding into action… To widen our economic opportunities, and to ensure that the changes taking place around us ultimately work to the advantage of our people," he said.
Marcos attended as the 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while the Philippines took part as an invited Outreach Country rather than a BRICS member. Manila will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from 13 to 15 November.
Manila calling - Marcos invites Modi for November visit as Philippines, India deepen strategic ties at BRICS
Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr wrapped up his participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi by inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manila, as the two countries looked to deepen ties in digital payments, technology and investment.
"I thank Prime Minister Modi and the government and the people of India once again for their friendship and their hospitality. I look forward to receiving Prime Minister Modi in Manila this November," Marcos said from New Delhi on Sunday.
Digital payments were a key area where the two countries looked to deepen ties, with both sides exploring ways to make cross-border transactions easier.
"Exploring interoperability between India's Unified Payments Interface and QR Ph to enable seamless cross-border transactions for consumers, businesses and travellers," Marcos said.
Philippine officials said Marcos also met representatives of NPCI International Limited to advance digital payments cooperation, including a possible partnership with LandBank on a system based on India's UPI. The government said the initiative could improve QR payment interoperability and speed up cross-border transactions.
Technology investment was another focus. Marcos held an executive roundtable with HCLTech, Cognizant, Hinduja Group and VVDN Technologies. Philippine officials said the companies, which already have operations or a presence in the country, indicated plans to expand in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and other technology-driven sectors.
"These engagements reaffirm the strong confidence of Indian business leaders in the Philippine economy and support our vision of establishing the country as a competitive, innovation-driven, and future-ready investment destination," Marcos noted.
The visit built on the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established during Marcos's state visit to India in August 2025. Marcos and Modi also met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to review progress in bilateral cooperation.
Marcos said his meetings in New Delhi had also given the Philippines and ASEAN a clearer view of shifting global economic and political conditions.
"Our task now is to turn that understanding into action… To widen our economic opportunities, and to ensure that the changes taking place around us ultimately work to the advantage of our people," he said.
Marcos attended as the 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while the Philippines took part as an invited Outreach Country rather than a BRICS member. Manila will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from 13 to 15 November.
Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr wrapped up his participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi by inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manila, as the two countries looked to deepen ties in digital payments, technology and investment.
"I thank Prime Minister Modi and the government and the people of India once again for their friendship and their hospitality. I look forward to receiving Prime Minister Modi in Manila this November," Marcos said from New Delhi on Sunday.
Digital payments were a key area where the two countries looked to deepen ties, with both sides exploring ways to make cross-border transactions easier.
"Exploring interoperability between India's Unified Payments Interface and QR Ph to enable seamless cross-border transactions for consumers, businesses and travellers," Marcos said.
Philippine officials said Marcos also met representatives of NPCI International Limited to advance digital payments cooperation, including a possible partnership with LandBank on a system based on India's UPI. The government said the initiative could improve QR payment interoperability and speed up cross-border transactions.
Technology investment was another focus. Marcos held an executive roundtable with HCLTech, Cognizant, Hinduja Group and VVDN Technologies. Philippine officials said the companies, which already have operations or a presence in the country, indicated plans to expand in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and other technology-driven sectors.
"These engagements reaffirm the strong confidence of Indian business leaders in the Philippine economy and support our vision of establishing the country as a competitive, innovation-driven, and future-ready investment destination," Marcos noted.
The visit built on the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established during Marcos's state visit to India in August 2025. Marcos and Modi also met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to review progress in bilateral cooperation.
Marcos said his meetings in New Delhi had also given the Philippines and ASEAN a clearer view of shifting global economic and political conditions.
"Our task now is to turn that understanding into action… To widen our economic opportunities, and to ensure that the changes taking place around us ultimately work to the advantage of our people," he said.
Marcos attended as the 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while the Philippines took part as an invited Outreach Country rather than a BRICS member. Manila will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from 13 to 15 November.