Published on: August 06, 2025 05:36 AM IST
A visa-free entry has been announced for tourists, indicating an increase in tourism and commercial talks between the two nations.
In an important step towards increasing regional connectivity between India and the Philippines, direct flights from Delhi to Manila are expected to start operations from October 1 this year, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.
During a special press briefing on the occasion of the President of the Philippines President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Junior, in India, the MEA indicated that the two countries are searching for the possibilities of expanding air links to additional destinations soon to provide a strong inspiration between the two countries, business, business and people-to-people contacts.
The MEA said, “Direct Air India flight connectivity from Delhi to Manila will start from October 1 to the Philippines, expected. How will further discussion and expand on destinations.”
Earlier today, during the joint press statement, President Marcos announced a visa-free admission privileges for Indian tourists, while PM Modi entered the Philipino tourists with a similar plan.
“I reiterated our introduction of visa-free admission privileges and extended our invitation to more Indian tourists to visit the Philippines. I thank Prime Minister Modi that the Philipino traveling in India for free to give visas to tourists for free.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision, given that India has also agreed to offer free e-Vis to tourists from the Philippines.
PM Modi said, “We welcome the Philippines’ decision to allow visa-free admission for Indian tourists. India has also decided to allow free e-Visas for tourists from the Philippines. This year, work will be done between India and Manila regarding direct flights.”
The President of the Philippines is on a five -day visit to India from August 4 to August 8. The visit marked a new era of close association between the Philippines and India, the two countries prepared to increase their cooperation in various fields. President Marcos will also hold a meeting with President Draupadi Murmu later during the day.
