New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- Addressing a Joint Press Statement with the President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the two countries have decided to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

Welcoming President Marcos Jr. and his delegation, PM Modi noted the special significance of the visit as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. He emphasized that while the diplomatic journey is relatively recent, civilizational ties between India and the Philippines go back centuries - citing the Filipino version of the Ramayana, "Maharadia Lawana", and the recently released joint commemorative stamp featuring national flowers as symbols of this deep-rooted cultu...