Philippines' Marcos Joins BRICS Summit, Eyes Deeper Ties with Global South
Context mode is active. Hover over any highlighted term to see its definition. Click a nested term to go deeper.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is making a significant move by heading to New Delhi for his first-ever BRICS Summit on September 12-13, accepting an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This attendance marks a strategic pivot for Manila, as Marcos aims to strengthen the Philippines' voice among major emerging economies and advance ASEAN priorities on a global stage, signaling a desire for diversified alliances beyond traditional Western partners. Hosted by India under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' the 18th BRICS Summit offers Marcos a crucial platform to engage with a bloc that now includes 11 full members and 10 partner countries, representing nearly half the world's population. This engagement comes as the Philippines navigates complex geopolitical waters, balancing its 'friend to all, enemy to none' foreign policy amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea and solidifying its Strategic Partnership with India, which was elevated in August 2025. Marcos will also push for follow-through on US$5.8 billion in investment pledges from Indian firms made during his 2025 state visit, focusing on areas like technology, health, energy, and infrastructure. Expect the summit discussions at Bharat Mandapam to tackle critical issues like food and energy security, global governance reforms, and strengthening supply chains, all vital for a resilient global economy. Marcos's presence, especially as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, will be key to fostering synergies between the two groupings, potentially leading to new economic opportunities and collective solutions for climate resilience. The coming days will show how effectively these emerging alliances can reshape global trade and diplomatic landscapes, with Manila keenly observing future BRICS expansion.