OUTGOING Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar paid a farewell call on Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. at the Department of Foreign Affairs on June 17.
Locsin commended Mazumdar for his exemplary service and notable contributions to strengthen Philippine-Indian ties since the latter arrived in Manila in 2017.
The outgoing ambassador’s tenure saw India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Philippines for the Asean Summit in 2017, followed by President Duterte’s official trip to the subcontinent for the Asean-India Commemorative Summit. In October 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind of India embarked on a state visit to the Philippines in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Mazumdar’s term of almost three years was also marked by the signing of various agreements between the two countries, spanning agriculture, defense, tourism, investments, science and technology, culture, maritime security, enterprises, air services and the mutual training of diplomats.
The SFA observed closer trade relations between the Philippines and India during the past few years, with the country now looking at closer cooperation with the latter on defense and pharmaceuticals, among others. Locsin also thanked India for its cooperation with the Philippine government on the repatriation of both Filipino and Indian nationals, citing the accommodation of Filipinos returning from India on flights chartered by the Indian government to bring back its nationals from the Philippines.
For his part, Mazumdar reiterated India’s commitment to forge closer cooperation with the Philippines in the areas of health and food security, especially amid the current pandemic. The Indian diplomat also affirmed his country’s support for Asean initiatives, which he underscored are in-line with India’s Act East policy.
Joining the call were the two diplomats’ spouses Maria Lourdes B. Locsin and Parvati C. Mazumdar. Mrs. Locsin thanked Mrs. Mazumdar for her active involvement in various social and charitable activities and initiatives of diplomats’ spouses. The latter expressed her own appreciation for the warm reception they received during their three-year stay, and the support they received toward the success of activities initiated by the Embassy of India.
The Indian envoy concluded his Philippine tour of duty on June 19, as he will take up a new assignment in Austria. DFA
Image credits: Nilo Palaya/DFA