Why Marcos’ Brics trip is ‘low-risk opportunity’ for Philippines to make new friends
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is set to attend the Brics Summit in New Delhi, marking a strategic "low-risk opportunity" for the Philippines to diversify its international ties beyond traditional alliances like the US. This participation allows engagement with major emerging economies and monitoring of new economic frameworks without signaling a shift in broader strategic orientation. Marcos is also scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business executives to follow up on investment pledges.
Why it matters
This trip signifies the Philippines' evolving foreign policy, seeking to balance its relationships amid geopolitical tensions and explore new economic partnerships, which could have long-term implications for its economic development and regional influence.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is set to be the first Philippine leader to join the Brics Summit in New Delhi this weekend – presenting him with the perfect “low-risk opportunity” to engage the grouping as Manila continues to diversify its ties, analysts say.
“The president seeks to ensure that our modern partnerships remain open, resilient and capable of delivering prosperity to our people,” Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Analyn Ratonel said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
“This participation is a strategic opportunity to monitor emerging economic frameworks and to represent the priorities and perspectives of the region, while directly engaging leaders of major emerging economies.”
Brics, an international organisation formed in 2009 of emerging economies, currently counts Brazil, Russia, India, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates among its members.
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