Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena Palacios at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday as part of the latter’s three-day State Visit to India, which concludes on June 4.
Earlier in the day, President Pena paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat, honouring the values of peace and non-violence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared the gesture on X, writing, “Honouring the values of peace & non-violence. President Santiago Pena Palacios of Paraguay paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat today.”
President Pena, on his first official visit to India, arrived in the capital on Sunday and received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at Palam Air Force Station. He was warmly received by Minister of State Harsh Vardhan Malhotra, reflecting the strengthening partnership between the two nations.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also welcomed the Paraguayan leader on X, writing, “Bienvenido, President @SantiPenap! … This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.”
The visit is aimed at expanding cooperation between India and Paraguay in political, economic, and cultural domains. President Pena is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes ministers, senior officials, and business representatives.
During his visit, President Pena is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with PM Modi and other top Indian leaders to assess the full spectrum of bilateral relations. PM Modi will host a lunch in his honour, while President Droupadi Murmu is also set to meet him and host a state banquet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also call on the visiting dignitary.
After his engagements in New Delhi, President Pena will head to Mumbai to interact with industry leaders, startup founders, innovators, and political leaders, exploring avenues for economic and technological collaboration.
India and Paraguay have shared diplomatic relations since 1961, with growing ties in trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Several Indian companies have operations in Paraguay, particularly in the automobile and pharma sectors, while Paraguayan firms also maintain a presence in India, often through joint ventures.
Both countries also align on key global issues, such as UN reforms, renewable energy, climate change, and the fight against terrorism, making this visit a significant step toward furthering mutual cooperation on the global stage.
