New Delhi, 2 June : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña held comprehensive bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, focusing on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between India and the South American nation.

President Peña is on a three-day official visit to India at Prime Minister Modi’s invitation. He was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival at Air Force Station Palam earlier in the day. Accompanying him is a high-level delegation including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.

Welcoming the Paraguayan leader, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on social media: “Towards a new momentum in bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi welcomed President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the Hyderabad House ahead of their deliberations.”

Before meeting the Prime Minister, President Peña called on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The two discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“Pleased to call on President Santiago Peña of Paraguay at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing India–Paraguay cooperation in many domains. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi today will open new avenues for India’s engagement with Paraguay and the South America region,” Dr. Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.

During his engagements in New Delhi, President Peña paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Prime Minister Modi is hosting a luncheon in his honour, while President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar is also scheduled to meet the visiting leader.

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

In a statement, the MEA noted that India and Paraguay established diplomatic ties on September 13, 1961, and have since maintained warm and friendly relations. Bilateral cooperation covers key sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

The Ministry highlighted Paraguay’s strategic role in Latin America, noting that Indian firms in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors are already operating in Paraguay, while several Paraguayan companies have a presence in India through joint ventures.

Both nations share common positions on significant global issues including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and counter-terrorism, the MEA added.

As part of his visit, President Peña will travel to Mumbai to meet state-level leaders and engage with representatives from industry, startups, and the tech sector — reflecting the growing economic and technological focus of the partnership.

The MEA stated that this State Visit presents a timely opportunity for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and for discussing regional and global matters of mutual concern.

President Peña is scheduled to conclude his visit and depart for Paraguay on June 4, 2025.