What Did PM Modi Say to Rodrigo Paz Pereira After His Election as President of Bolivia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi congratulated Rodrigo Paz Pereira on his election.
- The election marks a shift from two decades of leftist rule in Bolivia.
- India and Bolivia are looking to enhance their bilateral partnership.
- Paz faces economic challenges as he takes office.
- Mutual cooperation in various sectors is a priority for both countries.
New Delhi/La Paz, Oct 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Rodrigo Paz Pereira following his triumph in the Bolivian Presidential elections. He expressed anticipation for an enhanced partnership between the two nations in the future.
"Heartfelt congratulations, Mr. Rodrigo Paz Pereira, on your election as President of Bolivia. The longstanding friendship between India and Bolivia has fostered mutually beneficial cooperation. I am eager to strengthen our partnership for shared growth and prosperity in the years ahead," PM Modi shared via X.
Pereira, aged 58, secured his position in the presidential runoff held on Sunday, as per the preliminary results from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
His success signifies a shift from two decades of leftist governance, heralding a new political era in the South American nation, according to reports from Xinhua. Paz garnered 54.53% of the votes, outperforming former president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga, who obtained 45.44%.
Paz is set to take office on November 8 for a five-year term extending from 2025 to 2030.
The newly elected leader is expected to tackle a challenging economic landscape characterized by fuel shortages, fiscal deficits, and a prolonged lack of foreign exchange resulting from dwindling international reserves.
India and Bolivia maintain cordial relations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) states that the bilateral exchanges, trade, and investment have significant potential for growth in mutually beneficial cooperation. Both nations are striving to enhance their engagement and establish 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 established a resident mission in New Delhi in 2012.
India provided humanitarian assistance to Bolivia during the forest fires in September 2024, with a handover ceremony taking place in February 2025. Additionally, India gifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies, including 300,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets and protective equipment, to Bolivia in August 2020. Bolivia is keen to leverage India’s development assistance, aiming to strengthen ties as a development partner. India offers 10 slots annually under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
Bolivian experts have participated in specialized training provided by India under the ITEC program, focusing on infection prevention, pandemic policy development, and sharing best practices for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.