Indian Ambassador Pays Farewell Call On Secretary Locsin
18 June 2020 — Outgoing Indian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Jaideep Mazumdar paid a farewell call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 17 June 2020.
Secretary Locsin commended Ambassador Mazumdar for his exemplary service and notable contributions to the strengthening of Philippine-Indian ties since arriving in Manila in 2017.
The outgoing Ambassador’s tenure saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit in 2017, followed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s own visit to India for the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. In October last year, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind undertook a State Visit to the Philippines in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-India diplomatic ties.
His 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.
Secretary Locsin observed closer trade relations between the Philippines and India during the past few years, with the Philippines now looking at closer cooperation with India on defense and pharmaceuticals, among others. The Secretary 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.
Ambassador Mazumdar, for his part, reiterated India’s commitment to forging closer cooperation with the Philippines in the areas of health and food security, especially amid the ongoing pandemic. He affirmed as well India’s support for ASEAN initiatives, which he underscored are in line with India’s Act East policy.
Joining the call were mesdames Maria Lourdes B. Locsin and Parvati C. Mazumdar. Madame Locsin thanked Madame Mazumdar for her active involvement in various social and charitable activities and initiatives of diplomats’ spouses. Mme Mazumdar 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 Indian Embassy.
Ambassador Mazumdar will be concluding his tour of duty on 19 June 2020, to take up his new assignment in Austria. END (Photos by Nilo Palaya)
