NEW DELHI — The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi welcomed Rudolph Jay D. Velasco as its new Commercial Counsellor on July 1, 2026, a move seen strengthening the country’s trade push into South Asia. Velasco arrives at a time of record bilateral trade between the Philippines and India, now reaching $3.9 billion.
A Strategically Timed Appointment
Velasco, a Foreign Trade Service Officer from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), fills the post vacated by Eugenio Elevado Jr., who retired in May 2025. He will also serve as head of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New Delhi. His arrival signals the Philippines’ intent to deepen economic integration with India at a pivotal moment.
Ambassador Josel Ignacio received Velasco alongside the Embassy’s economic team. Their initial discussions focused on accelerating priority projects, including inbound and outbound business missions, government‑to‑government initiatives, and long‑term partnerships with Indian business federations. The goal is to translate trade growth into sustained investment flows.
Deep Experience Across Key Sectors
Velasco brings a diverse background that aligns with the current trade profile between the two countries. He previously worked with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB). His experience also includes roles in the DTI’s Semiconductor and Electronics Technical Working Group.
Electronics and IT goods form a substantial portion of Philippine‑India merchandise trade. His familiarity with this sector is expected to directly support supply chain integration and attract Indian electronics manufacturers. The Embassy views his expertise as a valuable asset in broadening the trade basket beyond traditional commodities.
Building on Bilateral Trade Momentum
Bilateral trade has climbed steadily from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $3.9 billion. Both governments are actively negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to reduce tariffs and improve market access. Velasco’s mandate includes supporting these negotiations and ensuring Philippine exporters and investors can capitalize on new opportunities.
Beyond goods, the two nations are exploring cooperation in IT‑BPM, healthcare, renewable energy, and defense. Velasco will work with Indian industry chambers like FICCI to connect Philippine companies with Indian counterparts. His office, PTIC‑New Delhi, will serve as the front line for trade promotion and investment facilitation across South Asia.
A Dynamic Economic Team
The Commercial Counsellor joins an active economic team at the Embassy, including Trade Attachés Rachelle Yumo and Alyssa Arago. Together, they aim to shepherd business delegations and foster deeper commercial ties. The appointment reflects the Philippines’ broader strategy of leveraging economic diplomacy to diversify trade partners and build resilient supply chains.
