PM Modi, Paraguayan President Peña Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios held extensive discussions at Hyderabad House on Monday, focusing on deepening diplomatic and economic relations between India and Paraguay.

“Towards a new momentum in bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi welcomed President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at Hyderabad House ahead of their talks,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X.

President Peña arrived in India earlier in the day for a three-day official visit at the invitation of PM Modi. He received a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon landing at Air Force Station Palam and is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

Ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister, President Peña also met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to explore ways to boost bilateral cooperation.

“Pleased to call on President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his guidance and enthusiasm for enhancing India–Paraguay ties. Confident that his discussions with PM Modi will pave the way for deeper engagement with Paraguay and the South American region,” Jaishankar posted on X.

The Paraguayan President also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat following his engagements in Delhi.

PM Modi is set to host a luncheon in President Peña’s honour, while President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is also scheduled to meet the visiting leader.

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

According to the MEA, India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, and have since enjoyed warm ties and cooperation across sectors such as trade, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

The MEA also emphasized Paraguay’s strategic role as a trade partner in Latin America. Indian firms, particularly in automobiles and pharmaceuticals, have established a footprint in Paraguay, while Paraguayan businesses operate in India, often through joint ventures, contributing to strong economic collaboration.

Both nations also share common perspectives on key global issues such as UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and the fight against terrorism.

President Peña will also travel to Mumbai, where he is expected to meet with political leaders, business executives, startups, and tech innovators, highlighting the visit’s focus on economic and technological partnerships.

According to the MEA, this State Visit offers an important chance for both countries to review bilateral relations comprehensively and explore regional and global matters of mutual concern.

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

With inputs from IANS