PM Modi, Paraguayan President Pena hold talks to strengthen bilateral relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Paraguay Santiago Peña held wide-ranging bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. The talks were aimed at infusing new momentum into diplomatic and economic relations between India and the South American nation.

President Peña, who is on a three-day official visit to India at the invitation of the Prime Minister, was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at Air Force Station Palam earlier in the day. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

Welcoming the visiting leader, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on social media, “Towards a new momentum in bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi welcomed President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the Hyderabad House ahead of their deliberations.”

Prior to his meeting with the Prime Minister, President Peña called on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The two leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

“Pleased to call on President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing India–Paraguay cooperation in many domains. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi today will open new avenues for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the South America region,” said Dr. Jaishankar in a post on X.

President Peña also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat during his engagements in the capital. Prime Minister Modi is hosting a luncheon in his honour, while President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to host a banquet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will also call on the visiting dignitary.

This visit marks President Peña’s first official trip to India and is only the second time a head of state from Paraguay has visited the country.

In a statement, the MEA noted that India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, and have since cultivated warm and friendly ties. Bilateral cooperation spans across key sectors including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

Highlighting Paraguay’s strategic importance in Latin America, the MEA said that Indian companies in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors are already active in Paraguay, while several Paraguayan firms operate in India through joint ventures.

The Ministry further noted that both countries share similar views on major global issues such as UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism.

As part of his itinerary, President Peña will also visit Mumbai, where he is expected to meet state-level political leaders, as well as representatives from industry, startups, and technology sectors. The visit underscores the growing emphasis on economic and technological partnerships between the two countries.

The MEA said that the State Visit provides a timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties and to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

President Peña will conclude his visit and depart for Paraguay on June 4, 2025.