New Delhi [India], June 2 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with President Santiago Pena Palacios of Paraguay on Monday at the start of the leader’s first State Visit to India. Highlighting growing ties between the two countries, Jaishankar expressed optimism about enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors.
“Pleased to call on President Palacios of Paraguay at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing cooperation in many domains,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. “Confident that his talks with PM Modi today will open new avenues for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the South America region.”
President Pena, who arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day, was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the Palam Air Force Station. He was received by Minister of State Harsh Vardhan Malhotra. His three-day State Visit, scheduled from June 2 to June 4, aims to bolster bilateral ties across political, economic, and cultural domains.
Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with the Paraguayan leader at Hyderabad House. President Pena also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, where he laid a wreath in homage to the apostle of peace and non-violence.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit would provide an opportunity to review the full spectrum of India-Paraguay relations, and discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern. The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers, officials, and business leaders.
President Pena is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. In addition, he will travel to Mumbai to engage with industry leaders, startups, and technology innovators, furthering economic cooperation.
India and Paraguay share warm ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961. Bilateral collaboration spans trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and health. Indian firms operate in Paraguay’s automobile and pharma sectors, while Paraguayan ventures are present in India. Both nations share common positions on key global issues, such as UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counterterrorism.