The Philippines will join the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wrapped up his participation in the 18th BRICS Summit and sought deeper economic and strategic ties with India.
Marcos announced the decision after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying CDRI’s focus on strengthening infrastructure against climate and disaster risks aligns with the Philippines’ own resilience agenda.
“I was also pleased to personally convey to Prime Minister Modi the Philippines’ decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure,” Marcos said.
“The Philippines stands to gain from its CDRI membership, since its goals are very much aligned with our climate change programs,” he added.
The move comes as the Philippines faces growing risks from typhoons, flooding, drought and other climate-related disruptions that can damage transport, energy, telecommunications and other critical infrastructure.
Marcos attended the BRICS summit as 2026 ASEAN chair and ASEAN-India dialogue relations country coordinator, representing the regional bloc’s nearly 700 million people.
He said ASEAN’s participation highlighted the region’s “stature, credibility and convening power” while advancing priorities centered on peace and security, economic connectivity and people empowerment.
Beyond the summit, Marcos held bilateral discussions with Modi on the Philippines-India strategic partnership and the two countries’ 2025-2029 plan of action. Areas of cooperation include digital technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, pharmaceuticals, railways and space.
Business engagements also generated investment discussions spanning airport infrastructure, telecommunications, renewable energy, digital payments, IT-BPM and advanced electronics.
Marcos cited Indian technology firm iSON Group’s commitment to invest up to USD300 million over 10 years. He also discussed with NPCI International the potential integration of India’s Unified Payments Interface with QR Ph to enable cross-border digital payments.
The President likewise discussed GMR Group’s partnership in the proposed Sangley Point International Airport, highlighting India’s growing role in Philippine infrastructure and technology investments.
