28 August 2015 – Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza presented her credentials today to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at a formal ceremony at the President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) in New Delhi.

The Philippine Ambassador was one of the four ambassadors-designate who presented their credentials.  She was joined by ambassadors from Armenia, Cambodia and Venezuela.

After the formal ceremony, Ambassador Daza had a separate audience with the President joined by Minister Ma. Agnes M. Cervantes and Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Captain Sean Anthony U. Villa. 

President Mukherjee spoke of long-standing Philippines-India relations and opportunities to improve trade and investment.  He recalled with fondness visits to Manila when he was a Member of the Board of the Asian Development Bank and in his previous capacity and Minister of Finance.

Ambassador Daza expressed condolence on the passing of Mme. Suvra Mukherjee; conveyed the best wishes of President Aquino for the continued well-being of the President and the continued growth and prosperity of India and its people; highlighted areas of cooperation in health, education, agriculture and defense; and welcomed India’s engagement in regional security.  India has an important role to play in the evolving regional architecture and in the region’s peace and security.

After the ceremony, the Philippine delegation returned to the Embassy where a thanksgiving dinner was held for members of the protocol entourage and Embassy officers and staff and their families.

The Philippines and India celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations in December last year.  Both countries share a deep love for democracy with the Philippines recognized as Asia’s first democracy while India is the world’s biggest democracy.