India, Paraguay strengthen ties during President Peña’s visit to India

Paraguay's President Santiago Pena Palacios visited India from 2 to 4 June 2025 to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.. This was President Palacious's first official visit to India and the second visit of a Paraguayan President to India after President Fernando Lugo visited India in May 2012.

After his arrival at the Palam Air Force Station, New Delhi, President Palacious was received by Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs. 

Paraguay's President visit New Delhi and Mumbai

During his visit to India, President Paraguay visited New Delhi and Mumbai. In New Delhi, he met Indian political leadership, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries.

During his visit to Mumbai, the Paraguayan delegation met with top Indian business leaders and companies to further bilateral trade and investment. The  President  Santiago Peña Palacios also met Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Davendra Fadnavis.

Paraguay's President meet Prime Minister Modi 

During his visit to New Delhi, the Paraguayan President  Santiago Peña Palacios met President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, President Santiago Pena Palacios condemned the Phalagam terrorist attack of  22 April 2025.

Both leaders discussed bilateral issues including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, etc.

One MoU was signed between the two countries 

• During the Paraguayan President's visit, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Paraguay Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez L signed an MoU to establish a Joint Commission Mechanism(JCM).
• The JCM will be established at the Secretary / Vice Ministerial level and will serve as a key platform for reviewing and advancing cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest.

India-Paraguay Relations 

In 1961, both countries established diplomatic relations.

However, India opened its Embassy in Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, in 2022. 

India and MERCOSUR signed a preferential trade agreement in 2004, which was implemented in 2009.

Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are the members of MERCOSUR.

India is a major buyer of Uruguayan soybean oils.

About Paraguay

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America.

The country derives its name from the  Paraguay River, a tributary of South America’s 5th largest river, the Parana River.

The Paraguayan economy is agricultural and is a big food exporter.

Capital : Asuncion  

Currency : Guarani

President : Santiago Peña Palacios