Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Arrives In India To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios arrived in New Delhi on Monday for his first official visit to India, marking a new chapter in the growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

The three-day visit, from 2 to 4 June, comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and includes key meetings in Delhi and Mumbai aimed at deepening strategic and economic collaboration.

Upon arrival at Air Force Station Palam in the capital, President Peña received a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes senior ministers, government officials, and business leaders.

The External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, met President Santiago Peña Palacios in Delhi today.

President Peña held talks with Prime Minister Modi to review the full spectrum of India–Paraguay relations.

In a gesture of friendship and diplomatic goodwill, Prime Minister Modi will also host a luncheon in his honour.

President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is also slated to meet the visiting dignitary.

This visit is particularly significant as it marks only the second time a Paraguayan head of state has visited India.

Bilateral Cooperation & Shared Values

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Paraguay have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961.

The two countries have made strides in sectors such as trade, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

Paraguay holds strategic importance for India as a trading partner in Latin America.

Indian firms, especially in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors, have a notable presence in Paraguay. Conversely, Paraguayan enterprises are increasingly engaging with Indian markets, often through joint ventures.

Both nations share common views on major global issues such as United Nations reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism, laying the foundation for greater diplomatic alignment.

Economic Engagement In Mumbai

During his Mumbai leg, President Peña will meet political leaders and interact with industry stakeholders, startups, and technology innovators.

The focus will be on fostering partnerships in innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

The MEA emphasised that the state visit provides a timely opportunity to comprehensively review the bilateral relationship and address regional and global matters of shared interest.

President Peña is expected to return to Paraguay on 4 June, concluding a visit seen as pivotal in advancing India–Paraguay cooperation in an evolving global landscape.

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