On Monday, PM Modi and Paraguay’s President Santiago Pena Palacios engaged in extensive bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Their discussions aimed to rejuvenate diplomatic and economic ties between India and Paraguay, marking a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
President Pena arrived in India earlier that day for a three-day official visit, invited by PM Modi.
Upon landing at the Air Force Station Palam, he received a ceremonial Guard of Honour, underscoring the importance of his visit.
President Pena was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.
Before meeting PM Modi, President Pena held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to explore further avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Taking to X, Jaishankar posted, “Pleased to call on President @SantiPenap of Paraguay at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing India–Paraguay cooperation in many domains.”
“Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi today will open new avenues for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the South America region,” the post added.
Following the meeting at Hyderabad House, President Pena paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, symbolising the deep respect between the two nations.
Subsequently, PM Modi hosted a luncheon in his honour.
Also Read: Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Arrives In India To Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Further engagements include a planned meeting between President Pena and India’s President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet, as well as a courtesy call by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
This visit represents President Pena’s first official trip to India and only the second time a Paraguayan head of state has visited the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on 13 September 1961 and have since nurtured warm and friendly ties.
The MEA statement noted, “Both countries have developed cooperation in sectors including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.”
Paraguay’s strategic significance as a trading partner in Latin America was emphasised, with Indian companies already operating in Paraguay’s automobile and pharmaceutical sectors.
Likewise, Paraguayan firms, often through joint ventures, have a presence in India, contributing to robust economic relations.
Moreover, India and Paraguay share common views on a range of international matters such as UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism efforts.
During his visit, President Pena will also travel to Mumbai to engage with state political leaders, industry stakeholders, startups, innovators, and technology experts.
This highlights a mutual focus on deepening economic and technological collaboration.
The MEA underscored that President Pena’s State Visit offers a crucial opportunity for both nations to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, as well as to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
President Santiago Pena’s official visit will conclude on 4 June 2025, when he returns to Paraguay, leaving behind strengthened ties and fresh momentum for India–Paraguay relations.
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