PM Modi announces free Visa for Philippines tourists
India will now offer free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Delhi on Tuesday, adding that efforts are underway to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila later this year.
“We welcome the Philippines’ decision to offer visa-free entry to Indian tourists. India has also decided to extend free e-visa facilities to tourists from the Philippines,” PM Modi said while addressing a joint press statement with the Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Marcos is on a five-day state visit to India, concluding on August 8.
The development comes after the Philippines announced earlier this year that it will grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals.
In his statement, PM Modi said that bilateral trade between India and the Philippines has been steadily increasing and has now crossed the $3 billion mark. He added that completing the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement is a priority, and both sides have also agreed to work towards establishing a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.
“This year, India and the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, and in this context, this visit holds special significance. Although our diplomatic relations may be new, the connections between our civilisations date back to ancient times,” PM Modi said.