Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, marking a key moment in India–Paraguay relations. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation across sectors including trade, defence, infrastructure, healthcare, and critical technologies.
Prime Minister Modi began by expressing deep appreciation to Paraguay for its strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the solidarity shown with India.
“President Peña’s visit comes shortly after the heinous attack in Pahalgam. I thank him and the people of Paraguay for their heartfelt condolences and support,” PM Modi said during the talks.
P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a press briefing that both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms, reinforcing a shared commitment to global peace and security.
President Peña, making his first visit to India, is on a State Visit from June 2 to 4. It marks only the second visit by a Paraguayan President to India—the previous one having taken place in 2012. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes ministers, parliamentarians, provincial governors, and senior officials.
During the talks, the two sides explored avenues to strengthen ties in key areas such as digital technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, agriculture, defence, railways, and space cooperation. They also discussed enhancing trade under the existing Preferential Trade Agreement between India and MERCOSUR, the South American trade bloc of which Paraguay is a member.
“India and Paraguay are both important voices of the Global South. We share similar aspirations and challenges. There is immense potential for growth through collaboration in emerging sectors,” said PM Modi.
He further highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation in tackling cybercrime, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, President Peña was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Air Force Station in Palam. He later met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who said the visit would open new pathways for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the broader Latin American region.
“Appreciate President Peña’s positive sentiments and guidance. Confident his discussions with PM Modi will deepen our cooperation across multiple domains,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The Paraguayan leader also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour.
Paraguay has emerged as a strategic trade partner for India in Latin America. Indian pharmaceutical and automobile companies have established a presence in Paraguay, while Paraguayan firms are increasingly exploring joint ventures in India.
As part of his itinerary, President Peña will travel to Mumbai on Tuesday, where he will meet political leaders, industry representatives, startups, and technology experts, signalling a growing focus on economic and innovation-driven cooperation.
— IANS