President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s acceptance of an invitation of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12th and 13th, 2026, places the Philippines at a crossroads where Southeast Asian issues meet the clarion call of the Global South.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the chairman of the group of 10 ASEAN nations for 2026 and Marcos is attending these talks to raise issues at the regional level before major emerging economies, through Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation.
It will provide the Philippines with an opportunity to advance the following priorities of ASEAN of trade, investment, maritime security and technology and climate resilience while upholding the principle of ‘ASEAN Centrality’.
Bringing ASEAN Priorities to BRICS
As an ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will highlight peace and security as well as prosperity and people empowerment. The convergence in New Delhi enables Manila to link up the Philippines’ development program with the BRICS agenda for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability in Southeast Asia.
This is also how ASEAN will not become just another geopolitical camp. It is possible for Manila to pursue development in the emerging economies, without losing access to the U.S., Europe and other international partners.
India Offers a Strategic Opportunity
The summit is also another platform for enhancing relations between the Philippines and India. In 2025, both sides upgraded the relationship to a Strategic Partnership and formed a Plan of Action for 2025–2029 on various subjects such as defence, maritime affairs, technology and economy.
Another key development priority is investment. The city is looking for ways to roll out the types of projects that Indian investment pledges and commitments during Marcos 2025 state visit were committed to, including infrastructure, technology, healthcare and energy.
Trade Diversification Is Key
The Philippines’ interaction with BRICS economies could assist in diversifying their trade and investment sources. Businesses have opportunities for greater cooperation in digital infrastructure, supply chains, energy and climate finance and enhanced economic resilience.
Especially so, because of the need towards alternative concentrated supply chains and dealing with increased geopolitical and financial risks in countries.
Maritime Security Remains Central
Safe Sea Lanes are another part of economic resiliency. The Philippines is an important maritime trading country and is therefore very interested in having a set of rules-a-based regional order and predictable navigation.
Through the BRICS platform, Marcos can hence reaffirm the importance of openness in maritime routes and advocate an ASEAN role not as one engaging in bloc confrontation, but one that has constructive roles to play.
Strategic Autonomy Is the Real Goal
Whether Manila can offer a good opportunity whilst maintaining independence will determine the success of the visit. The development of new cooperation between the official members of the BRICS group does not constitute dismissal of the West’s cooperation.
Rather, it is the role of the Philippines as an ASEAN chairman to show that Southeast Asia can present to the rest of the world a model that is able to involve multiple centers of economic power yet maintains the interests of Southeast Asia.
FAQs
Why is Marcos going to the Summit of BRICS countries?
The summit in India will be a forum to present/introduce ASEAN’s priorities in the run up to the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship, and Marcos is attending at India’s invitation.
Would the Philippines enter into BRICS?
Not yet. Joining the summit is not intended to mean that the Philippines is becoming a member of the BRICS.
What are the Philippines’ priorities for ASEAN?
The country’s priorities are peace and security, prosperity and people empowerment.
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