What happened?
On June 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Santiago Peña of Paraguay held comprehensive bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to infuse new momentum into diplomatic and economic relations between India and Paraguay. President Peña, on his first official visit to India, was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.
Prior to the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, President Peña met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation. President Peña also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The visit underscores the growing emphasis on economic and technological partnerships between the two countries.
Why it matters to India
This visit marks only the second time a head of state from Paraguay has visited India, highlighting the significance of the growing relationship between the two nations. India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations in 1961 and have since cultivated warm and friendly ties. Bilateral cooperation spans key sectors including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Indian companies in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors are active in Paraguay, while several Paraguayan firms operate in India through joint ventures.
Strengthening ties with Paraguay aligns with India’s broader strategy to enhance engagement with Latin American countries, diversify its global partnerships, and expand its influence in the Global South. Both countries share similar views on major global issues such as UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism. The visit provides a timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties and to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.