Is Paraguayan President's State Visit to India a Turning Point for Bilateral Ties?

New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) The President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena Palacios, has landed in India for a three-day official visit, which is a pivotal move to enhance the burgeoning bilateral ties between the two nations.

This visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and features significant engagements in both Delhi and Mumbai.

Upon his arrival at the Air Force Station Palam in Delhi, President Pena was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He is joined by a distinguished delegation that includes ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from the business sector.

Later today, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet the esteemed guest.

President Pena will engage in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Modi to assess the full range of India-Paraguay relations. The Prime Minister will also host a luncheon in his honor.

Additionally, President Pena is expected to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honor, while Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is also scheduled to meet him.

This visit marks President Pena's inaugural official trip to India and only the second time a head of state from Paraguay has visited the nation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated, "India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, fostering warm and friendly relations between the two countries. Since then, both nations have developed cooperation in numerous sectors, including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology."

The MEA underscored Paraguay's strategic importance as a trading partner in Latin America. Indian enterprises in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors have already set up operations in Paraguay, while Paraguayan firms, primarily through joint ventures, are active in India, bolstering strong economic ties.

The statement further noted, "The two countries share aligned perspectives on various global issues, including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism efforts."

During his visit to Mumbai, President Pena will interact with state political leaders, industry stakeholders, startups, innovators, and technology experts, emphasizing economic and technological collaboration.

According to the MEA, President Pena's State Visit will serve as a crucial opportunity for both countries "to perform a thorough review of bilateral relations, as well as to deliberate on regional and international matters of shared interest."

President Pena will conclude his official visit and return to Paraguay on June 4, 2025.