PM Modi, Paraguay President Santiago Peña Hold Bilateral Talks to Boost Strategic Ties
In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening ties with Latin America, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, held wide-ranging bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, June 2. The visit marks a renewed push in India’s South-South cooperation strategy and comes at a time when New Delhi is actively expanding its global partnerships.
The Paraguayan President, who arrived earlier in the day on a three-day official visit, was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station Palam, underscoring the importance India attaches to the visit. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and top business leaders from Paraguay.
Diplomatic and Strategic Dialogue
“Towards a new momentum in bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi welcomed President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the Hyderabad House ahead of their deliberations,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X.
The leaders held extensive discussions on regional and global issues of shared interest, as well as key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and climate action.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who met President Peña earlier in the day, said:
“Pleased to call on President Santiago Peña at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing India–Paraguay cooperation across multiple domains. Confident that his talks with PM Modi will open new avenues for engagement not just with Paraguay but also the wider South America region.”
Symbolic Gestures and State Honours
President Peña paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reflecting Paraguay’s shared admiration for peace and democratic values. A state luncheon hosted by PM Modi followed the bilateral talks, with President Droupadi Murmu expected to host a banquet in his honour. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is also scheduled to meet the visiting dignitary.
This visit is President Peña’s first official trip to India and marks only the second time a Paraguayan head of state has visited the country. The trip is viewed as a milestone in India–Latin America relations.
Economic Ties: Trade, Tech and Pharma in Focus
The MEA highlighted that India and Paraguay have enjoyed diplomatic relations since September 13, 1961, and continue to maintain warm and cooperative ties.
India sees Paraguay as a strategic partner in Latin America, particularly for trade, investment, and energy security. Indian companies in sectors such as automobiles and pharmaceuticals have established a growing presence in Paraguay. In turn, Paraguayan firms are investing in India, mostly via joint ventures, contributing to mutual economic growth.
The bilateral trade between the two nations stands at $450 million annually, with both countries looking to diversify exports and ease investment flows.
President Peña’s upcoming engagements in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, will include interactions with state leaders, industrialists, tech startups, and innovators. The agenda reflects a joint focus on innovation-driven collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, fintech, AI, and agritech.
Shared Global Outlook
Beyond economics, India and Paraguay also share similar views on key multilateral issues:
- UN Security Council reforms
- Global climate governance and renewable energy
- Counter-terrorism
- South-South cooperation in global health and food security
This alignment has fostered stronger collaboration in international forums such as the UN, G20, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), where Paraguay is a member.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India–Paraguay Relations
As the visit continues through June 4, President Peña’s trip is already being hailed as a diplomatic success and a historic opportunity to reposition India’s engagement in Latin America. With strategic and economic objectives aligned, New Delhi and Asunción are set to enter a new phase of bilateral cooperation built on shared values, mutual respect, and global ambition.
The outcomes of the Modi-Peña summit are expected to lay the foundation for long-term institutional collaboration, trade diversification, and greater cultural exchange between the two democracies.