Asuncion, Nov 15 (NationPress) India and Paraguay convened the inaugural session of the Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. During this meeting, both nations undertook an extensive evaluation of their existing bilateral relations, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.

The discussion was led by Paraguay's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Victor Verdun, representing the Paraguayan Government, alongside MEA Secretary (East) Periasamy Kumaran, who represented the Indian Government.

The MEA reported that both parties emphasized the renewed vigor in their bilateral relationship, significantly influenced by the recent official visit of Paraguay's President Santiago Pena Palacios to India, which marked a pivotal point in enhancing political dialogue and fostering cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest.

The Indian delegation also expressed gratitude for the formation of the Parliamentary Friendship Commission for India within the Chamber of Senators in Paraguay's National Congress.

“The meeting addressed numerous topics on the bilateral agenda, including political and economic relations, technological cooperation, infrastructure, energy, education, health, trade and investment, civil aviation, tourism, space, sustainable development, and water resources. In addition, both sides exchanged perspectives on multilateral issues of shared concern, such as collaboration in international forums and organizations,” as stated by the MEA.

“Both parties acknowledged the necessity of strengthening collaboration in mutually advantageous areas, advancing trade, promoting investment, and solidifying the multifaceted partnership in sectors of joint interest. Key priority areas identified included agriculture, renewable energy (particularly solar), biofuels, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, public health, education and technical training, civil aviation, infrastructure and railways, water management and cooperation, sustainable development, and space collaboration,” the statement further noted.

The MEA highlighted that both nations concurred that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, represents a grave threat to global peace and security.

Both parties reiterated their dedication to combating terrorism through coordinated efforts at bilateral, regional, multilateral, and global levels. They also expressed a readiness to enhance cooperation and bilateral coordination mechanisms in security and cybersecurity for mutual benefit.

The Joint Commission underscored the significance of bolstering ties between India and MERCOSUR to broaden trade and investment possibilities.

“In this context, Paraguay reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with India and MERCOSUR Member States, recalling that during President Santiago Peña's official visit to India in June 2025, both Governments expressed their resolve to deepen commercial relations under the MERCOSUR-India Preferential Trade Agreement,” as noted by the MEA.

It was decided that the subsequent session of the Joint Commission would be held in New Delhi at a date to be mutually agreed upon by both sides.