Marcos in India for 5-day state visit

President Marcos departed for India yesterday for a five-day state visit, where he aims to forge a "strategic relationship" with the world's fourth largest economy and lure investments.

- By HELEN FLORES

The President and his delegation landed at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi at 2:20 p.m. (4:50 p.m. Philippine time).

They were welcomed by India's Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain and other Indian government officials.

Marcos was scheduled to meet with the Filipino community yesterday.

There are approximately 1,356 registered Filipinos in India, a number of them married to Indian nationals and are practicing professionals, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The plane carrying Marcos and his delegation left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 10:44 a.m. First Lady Liza Marcos accompanies the President on his visit to New Delhi and Bangalore from Aug. 4 to 8.

Bersamin, Angara, Estrella caretakers

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Education Secretary Sonny Angara have been designated as government caretakers while the President is out of the country.

Marcos’ departure for New Delhi coincided with the first joint patrol by Philippine and Indian navies in the West Philippine Sea.