New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) In a strong endorsement of enhanced relations between India and Uruguay, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, the Ambassador of Uruguay to India, expressed his approval of India's upcoming plan to establish an Embassy in Montevideo later this year. During an interview with IANS, Amarilla referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very influential leader” and commended him for advocating the issues faced by the Global South on the international stage.

When asked to reflect on the relationship between India and Uruguay, Amarilla said, “I am very pleased as we are at a significant juncture in this relationship that has been thriving for 75 years. We are about to explore new avenues for collaboration. One of these is India’s plan to open an Embassy in Montevideo, likely in June, and we are looking forward to (External Affairs) Minister Jaishankar visiting Uruguay for that occasion.”

The Indian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, also serves as the concurrent diplomatic representative for Uruguay. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1960, with Uruguay maintaining an Embassy in New Delhi and an Honorary Consulate in Mumbai.

On his views regarding PM Modi's global influence, Amarilla remarked, “He has been a very influential leader. He has voiced the perspectives of the Global South, and we are proud of his commitment to addressing these issues, and we would like him to play a more prominent role.”

Amarilla indicated that Uruguay is contemplating relaxing visa requirements for Indian nationals, although he noted that no specific requests from India regarding this matter have been received. “We believe it is crucial to facilitate Indian travel to Uruguay, and we can address this during our political consultations in March here in Delhi,” he stated.

He also conveyed Uruguay’s support for India’s aspiration to attain permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India is actively pursuing this goal, with several nations, including France and Russia, expressing their support for India's bid. “We do support it (India's bid). We do not endorse the idea of new members possessing veto power. We are against veto power in the United Nations, but we fully back India's intention to become a permanent member,” Amarilla concluded.