New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) The Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, is set to travel to three nations in the Latin America and Caribbean region—Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba—between November 4-10, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.

Throughout his journey, the MoS plans to engage with the political leaders of these nations to discuss shared concerns and assess advancements in bilateral ties. This includes strategies to enhance trade, technology, tourism, development cooperation, and capacity building. He will also connect with business representatives and the Indian community.

The MEA mentioned that during his stay in Ecuador, the MoS will evaluate the groundwork for establishing a resident Indian Mission in Quito.

In Bolivia, Margherita will represent the Government of India at the inauguration of the newly-elected President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on November 8, in the administrative capital, La Paz.

While in Cuba, the minister is expected to focus on fortifying bilateral relations, particularly in health, medicine, digital public infrastructure, and capacity building.

A statement issued by the MEA highlighted, "This visit by the MoS for External Affairs and Textiles aims to sustain the momentum of our political interactions with Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba, thereby enhancing India's long-standing and amicable ties with these nations, reflecting a mutual commitment to South-South cooperation and development."

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rodrigo Paz Pereira on his election victory in Bolivia, expressing a desire to strengthen the partnership between both countries in the forthcoming years.

"Warm congratulations, Mr. Rodrigo Paz Pereira, on your election as the President of Bolivia. The close and friendly relationship between India and Bolivia has historically supported our mutually advantageous cooperation. I look forward to deepening our partnership for shared progress and prosperity in the coming years," PM Modi wrote on X.

Pereira, 58, won the presidential runoff election in Bolivia on October 19, as per the quick count from the Preliminary Results System of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

Paz is set to take office on November 8 for a five-year term from 2025 to 2030.

India and Bolivia maintain a cordial and friendly relationship. The MEA reports that bilateral exchanges, trade, and investment show promise, with potential for increasing mutually beneficial cooperation. Both nations are focused on enhancing engagement and establishing partnerships in sectors such as minerals, infrastructure development, health and pharmaceuticals, Information Technology, capacity building, and development cooperation.

India inaugurated its resident Mission in La Paz in September 2024, while Bolivia opened a resident Mission in New Delhi in 2012.

India has provided HADR assistance to Bolivia following forest fires that occurred in September 2024, with the handing over ceremony taking place in February 2025. Additionally, in August 2020, India gifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies, which included 300,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets and protective gear to Bolivia. Bolivia is a recipient of India’s development assistance and is eager to establish India as a key development partner. India offers 10 slots annually under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

Bolivian experts have participated in specialized courses offered by India under ITEC focused on infection prevention, policy development during pandemics, and sharing experiences and best practices for managing the Covid-19 pandemic.