What Did PM Modi Say About Paraguay’s Condemnation of the Pahalgam Attack?

New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) During extensive bilateral discussions with President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena Palacios, at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Paraguay for its strong denunciation of the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22.

"This meeting follows the shocking terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound appreciation for Paraguay's strong condemnation of this act, along with the genuine condolences and solidarity shown towards the victims and the Government of India. Both leaders firmly denounced terrorism and violent extremism in every form. President Pena conveyed Paraguay's deep solidarity with the victims and their families of the attack," stated P Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), following the conclusion of the delegation-level discussions.

The MEA reported that the leaders engaged in a thorough dialogue on the full range of bilateral relations, covering trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defense and security, infrastructure, and mining, among other sectors.

President Pena is on a State Visit to India from June 2-4, marking his inaugural visit and only the second such visit by a Paraguayan President to India, the previous one being in 2012. He is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including ministers, parliament members, a provincial governor, and senior officials.

Diplomatic ties between India and Paraguay were established in September 1961, fostering warm and friendly relations that have expanded over the years, particularly in trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay is increasingly recognized as a significant trade partner for India in the Latin American region.

"Your visit is genuinely historic; it is only the second time a President of Paraguay has journeyed to India. I am glad that you are accompanied by senior ministers and a strong delegation. Your travels span not just Delhi but also Mumbai, reflecting your commitment to strengthening ties between our nations. I am confident that by collaborating, we can pave the way for shared growth and prosperity," PM Modi remarked in his opening address.

PM Modi emphasized that India and Paraguay are crucial components of the Global South, sharing similar aspirations and challenges.

"We envision new opportunities for collaboration in sectors like digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, healthcare, defense, railways, space, and overall economic partnership. We have a Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR and can work together to expand it further. India and Paraguay stand united in the battle against terrorism. There is vast potential for cooperation to tackle common challenges such as cybercrime, organized crime, and drug trafficking," he added.

Upon his arrival in New Delhi earlier in the day, President Pena received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Air Force Station in Palam.

Before meeting with PM Modi, President Pena discussed bilateral cooperation opportunities with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

"It was a pleasure to welcome President Santiago Pena of Paraguay at the beginning of his State Visit to India. I appreciate his positive outlook and direction for enhancing India-Paraguay collaboration across numerous domains. I am confident that his discussions with PM Modi will unveil new pathways for India's engagement with Paraguay and the South American region," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

The Paraguayan President also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat following his engagements at the Hyderabad House. He is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu in the evening, who will host a banquet in his honor.

The MEA underlined Paraguay's strategic significance as a trading partner in Latin America. Indian enterprises in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors have established operations in Paraguay, while Paraguayan companies, primarily through joint ventures, are active in India, contributing to robust economic connections.

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