External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena Palacios on Monday in New Delhi, as the latter began his first State Visit to India. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement with Paraguay and the wider South American region.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar underscored the potential for deepening cooperation between the two countries. “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. Confident that his talks with PM Modi today will open new avenues for India's engagement with Paraguay and the South America region,” he wrote.
President Santiago Pena Palacios held official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in the national capital. Earlier in the day, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at the Rajghat memorial — a gesture described by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as a tribute to the values of peace and non-violence.
“Honouring the values of peace & non-violence. President Santiago Pena Palacios of Paraguay paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat today,” the MEA posted on X.
The Paraguayan President had arrived in New Delhi for his three-day State Visit, which began on June 2 and will conclude on June 4. Upon arrival at the Palam Air Force Station, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour. He was warmly received by Minister of State for External Affairs Harsh Vardhan Malhotra.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed President Palacios with a post on X, saying: “Bienvenido, President @SantiPenap! President @SantiPenap of Paraguay has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India, to a ceremonial welcome & Guard of Honour. Warmly received by MoS Harsh Malhotra @hdmalhotra at the airport. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President Palacios’ visit aims to deepen and diversify the India-Paraguay partnership across political, economic, and cultural domains. Invited by Prime Minister Modi, President Palacios is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders.
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During his stay, the visiting President is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Modi and other top Indian leaders to review the full range of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch in his honour. Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu will meet President Palacios and host a state banquet, while Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is also slated to call on him.
President Palacios is expected to travel to Mumbai where he will meet with state political leadership as well as representatives from Indian industry, startups, innovators, and technology firms. His interactions will focus on boosting investment and collaboration in key sectors.
India and Paraguay have shared warm and friendly diplomatic relations since establishing formal ties on September 13, 1961. Cooperation spans several sectors, including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay is a key trading partner of India in the Latin American region, with Indian companies active in Paraguay's automobile and pharmaceutical industries. Paraguayan firms, often through joint ventures, also have a presence in India, helping to strengthen bilateral economic engagement.
The two countries also share common perspectives on key global issues such as United Nations reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and the fight against terrorism.
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