Marcos turns 69 on world stage at BRICS Summit in India

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spent his 69th birthday on Sunday the way he has spent most of his term: at work, shaking hands with world leaders and selling the Philippines to anyone who will listen. The President attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, where he pushed Philippine economic and infrastructure interests in a packed schedule that included a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez described the day as a full one, with Marcos taking part in the BRICS open session and meeting Modi on the sidelines. Marcos is in India wearing two hats: as President of the Philippines and as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for 2026. The Philippines is an outreach country invited to the summit, not a member.

What did Marcos do at the BRICS Summit?

Gomez said Marcos presented Asean's priorities during the BRICS open session while continuing efforts to deepen ties with India and other major economies. Beyond Modi, the President was expected to interact with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit.

The birthday work began a day early. On Saturday, Marcos met with Indian government-linked organizations and business executives. According to Gomez, Indian companies expressed interest in investing fresh capital in the Philippines and expanding their existing operations, which he said would create more quality jobs for Filipinos.

Gomez framed the meetings as part of Marcos' push for what he called economic diplomacy, attracting investments by engaging both foreign governments and private companies.

Why is the Philippines at BRICS?

The BRICS grouping brings together 11 member countries representing nearly half of the world's population and around 40 percent of global economic output by purchasing power parity. The Philippines has neither BRICS membership nor partner-country status at present.

Among the 11 members of Asean, only Indonesia is a full BRICS member. Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have joined as partner countries, and Malaysia and Thailand have applied for full membership.

Marcos has previously said he is open to the Philippines joining BRICS. But Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio said there are no discussions on the matter at present. Any decision on even becoming a partner country would require rigorous study and review, he said.

The President's attendance at this summit allows us to have, so to speak, a ringside view of the workings of BRICS, and increases our understanding of the organization, Ignacio said in a briefing over the weekend. So it will help in our analysis and study of it.

What does Marcos get out of the summit?

Ignacio said Marcos' presence provides an opportunity to interact with leaders from countries that Philippine officials do not normally encounter. He said the summit could help Marcos network and build rapport with other leaders, and allow for a cross-fertilization of ideas.

Gomez said Marcos' participation reflected the administration's foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none, while balancing his role as Philippine President and Asean chair.

When does Marcos celebrate his birthday at home?

Upon his return to Manila, Marcos is expected to celebrate his 69th birthday on Monday at the annual Salo-salo sa Palasyo at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang, continuing the tradition of marking his special day with the Filipino people.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Philippines joining BRICS?

Not right now. Marcos has said he is open to membership, but officials stress that any decision would require rigorous study. The Philippines currently has no formal status with the bloc.

Which Asean countries are in BRICS?

Indonesia is the only full member. Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are partner countries. Malaysia and Thailand have applied for full membership.

Why did Marcos attend the BRICS Summit?

Marcos attended as Asean chair and as an outreach country invitee. The goal was to present Asean priorities, attract investment, and build relationships with leaders from major economies including India, China and Russia.