Overview

• The Philippine and Indian navies commenced a two-day maritime exercise in South China Sea waters on August 3.
• Marcos Jr. departed Manila with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and a high-level delegation for his August 4–8 state visit to India.
• He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi on August 5 to formalize memoranda on defense procurement and enhance trade links in response to recent U.S. tariffs on Philippine exports.
• The defense agenda builds on Manila’s existing $324 million procurement of India’s BrahMos missile system, with two additional shore-based units set to arrive in the coming years.
• The state visit coincides with 75 years of India-Philippines relations and aims to solidify cooperation under India’s Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.