NEW DELHI, India — Fresh from his visit to the United States, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has arrived in India on another key diplomatic mission at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit marks a historic milestone—it is the first time in nearly two decades that a Philippine leader has set foot in India. It also coincides with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Manila and New Delhi.

In his departure statement, Marcos underscored the enduring ties between the Philippines and India, anchored on shared democratic values and mutual goals.

“I travel to India knowing that our commonalities will lead us to a deeper, broader, and more meaningful bilateral cooperation, both in the immediate future and up to our longer-term horizons, that will ultimately serve the peace, the stability, and prosperity for our two nations and the wider Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Marcos is set to hold high-level discussions with Indian officials on a wide range of topics, including defense, trade, investment, health, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, agriculture, and tourism.

“I will personally lead a business delegation to New Delhi and Bengaluru to meet with the captains of their industries, especially in the IT sector, to explore potential investment opportunities for both sides,” he said.

Hoping to bring home tangible benefits to Filipinos, Marcos highlighted the need to enhance cooperation with the Indian counterparts, particularly in sectors that directly impact livelihoods and national development.

The Philippine delegation landed at the Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi on Monday at 2:20 p.m. local time.

Marcos blasts corruption

Before leaving for India, Marcos showed his frustration over failed flood control projects — especially those he said were tainted by corruption.

In his latest podcast, Marcos explained the blunt remarks he made in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), revealing that his anger stemmed from months of on-the-ground visits that exposed the sorry state of supposed flood control infrastructure.

“It started last December, when I went around to inspect infrastructure projects because of the heavy rains,” he said.

But even after those checks, and after more storms hit this year, Marcos said he found the same areas still underwater — places that should have been protected by projects he had proudly mentioned in his 2024 SONA.

“When I arrived, I saw that nothing was done. I asked, ‘Didn’t we already allocate funds for this?’ And they’d say, ‘It hasn’t started yet’ — the usual excuses,” he recalled.

“That’s nonsense. It’s clear they’re not doing their jobs. And then I go to the evacuation centers, and what do I see? Families packed into gyms, kids sleeping on the floor in the heat, at risk of getting sick. We shouldn’t be letting this happen to our people. It’s a sin.”

Without naming anyone, Marcos said the individuals responsible know who they are — especially the ones with a reputation.

“Sorry, but if that’s how you’re doing things, then you’re no longer my ally,” he said. “They’ll have to answer for their actions, and explain where the money went — because we’re not seeing the results.”

Marcos was quick to point out that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) isn’t solely to blame, saying they only implement projects, not approve them.

“It’s not really the DPWH. We already took their project list,” he said. “What’s important now is that we make this list public so people can see what’s really happening. Residents from barangays will be able to say, ‘Nothing was done here.’ And they can report it.”

“This goes for every project moving forward. I’m sure many people will come forward with reports.”

Marcos also revealed that contractors and corporations found to be slacking — or worse, corrupt — will be banned from doing business with the government.

“We’re putting them on a blacklist. They won’t be getting government contracts anymore,” he warned.

He said these contractors will be asked to explain their side — and if their answers don’t hold up, further action will be taken.

“If they can’t explain things properly, we’ll take it to the next step,” he said.