Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita attended the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez on 9 May 2025 at the National Stadium in San Jose, conveying India's warm greetings to the new administration. The event marked the first stop on Margherita's 8–15 May diplomatic tour of Central America and the Caribbean.

India's Message to the New Government

Margherita conveyed greetings from India's President, Prime Minister, and the people of India to the new Costa Rican leadership. "Honoured to be part of the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President of Costa Rica. Conveyed warm greetings from the President, Prime Minister, and the people of India to the President and Govt. of Costa Rica, and wished them every success in serving the people of Costa Rica," Margherita said in a post on X.

The minister's presence at the ceremony underscores India's effort to deepen diplomatic and commercial ties with Central American nations. According to the Indian Embassy in Panama, which is concurrently accredited to Costa Rica, the two countries enjoy cordial relations that are being strengthened by growing bilateral commercial engagement.

Who Is Laura Fernandez

Laura Fernandez, 39, accepted the presidential sash from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves in front of an audience of approximately 20,000 people, including international dignitaries. She had previously served as minister of national planning and economic policy and as minister of the presidency.

Representing the Sovereign People's Party, Fernandez secured her presidential victory in Costa Rica's general election on 1 February 2025. She will serve a four-year term.

Fernandez's Agenda: A Hard Line on Crime

In her inaugural address, Fernandez outlined an ambitious law-and-order agenda, pledging a war "without mercy" against organised crime and drug trafficking. Her administration has announced plans to open a new "mega-prison" and establish one of the most advanced police surveillance centres in the world.

Fernandez also committed to stricter punishments for offences such as contract killings, an unwavering stance against organised crime, and the restoration of state control over the prison system. She additionally expressed support for implementing states of exception in areas with high rates of violence.

India's Broader Diplomatic Outreach

Margherita's tour of Central America and the Caribbean, running from 8 to 15 May, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across the region. The Costa Rica stop is the first in what is expected to be a series of high-level engagements. India has been steadily expanding its diplomatic footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean in recent years, with trade and people-to-people ties forming the core of its outreach strategy.

As Fernandez begins her term with a strong focus on security reform, observers will watch whether her administration's priorities open new avenues for bilateral cooperation with India in areas such as technology and governance.