Paraguay President Envisions A New India-Latin America Partnership

Bridging Continents: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña Envisions a New India–Latin America Partnership

World Politics | The WFY Magazine | June 2025 Edition

From building trade corridors to condemning terror, Paraguay’s youthful leader outlines a bold roadmap for Indo-Latin cooperation

In a world marred by geopolitical instability and redefined global alliances, one leader from South America is boldly pushing for a new global alignment — one that links Latin America with India through peace, multilateralism, and economic integration. During his recent visit to New Delhi, President Santiago Peña Palacios of Paraguay, in only his second Presidential visit to India, expressed strong admiration for India’s development model and advocated for deeper bilateral cooperation in technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and diplomacy.

The 46-year-old economist-turned-statesman, widely considered one of Latin America’s rising political figures, shared his views on a range of global and bilateral issues — from regional trade opportunities and digital innovation to terrorism, student activism, and multilateral diplomacy. His remarks mark a significant moment for India’s outreach to Latin America, a region with immense potential but relatively underexplored ties with New Delhi.

A President with a Mission: Connecting Two Civilizational Powers

Describing his visit as a symbolic and strategic initiative, President Peña remarked that his goal was to “build bridges” — a phrase he invoked repeatedly — between South America and India. “This is a very important journey for me, to discover and strengthen the connection between our two regions,” he said, reflecting on Paraguay’s growing confidence in international diplomacy.

Paraguay, a landlocked country nestled in the heart of South America, is often described as an “island surrounded by land.” With a population of just over 7 million, it is among the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, underpinned by macroeconomic stability, ease of doing business, and robust agricultural output. The President sees this geographical and economic positioning not as a limitation, but as a strategic advantage. “You have access to a 400-million market — Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru — and Paraguay is the heart of it,” Peña noted.

Chemistry with Modi and a Shared Vision

President Peña’s admiration for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was evident. The two leaders previously interacted at the G20 summit in Brazil, and their Delhi meeting in 2025 marked a reaffirmation of shared ambitions. “I see India not just as a country or a continent, but as a civilisation,” he said, praising India’s achievements in digital transformation and economic resilience.

“The chemistry was great,” he stated. “India has contributed so much, not only to the world stage, but to civilisation itself. What I see Prime Minister Modi has built — and what I want to emulate — is a legacy of connectivity, diplomacy, and internal strength.”

Expanding Cooperation: Digital Innovation, Food Security, and Pharmaceuticals

One of the key themes during President Peña’s India visit was economic and technological cooperation. He stressed the immense potential for partnerships in the following areas:

1. Digital Transformation

India’s groundbreaking success in digital public infrastructure, such as Aadhaar, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and CoWIN, has become a template for emerging economies. President Peña believes Paraguay can benefit from these innovations, especially in areas of governance and financial inclusion. “India has achieved great things with technology — these tools can help us leapfrog into the future,” he said.

2. Agricultural Collaboration

With more than 60% of Paraguay’s land used for farming and exports of soy, beef, and maize forming the backbone of its economy, Peña sees synergy in agri-tech partnerships. “Paraguay feeds more than 100 million people worldwide, yet we are just 6 million ourselves. With India’s expertise in agri-technology, we can enhance productivity and sustainability,” he stated.

3. Pharmaceutical Production

India, often referred to as the “pharmacy of the world”, is a global supplier of affordable generic medicines. President Peña noted that Paraguay could act as a distribution hub for Indian pharmaceutical companies, with its strategic location and pro-business policies making it ideal for Latin American outreach.

Terrorism and Defence: A Clear Stance in India’s Support

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which led to a four-day flare-up between India and Pakistan, President Peña extended unambiguous support for India’s right to defend its people.

“We condemned the terrorist attacks right away,” he affirmed, pointing to Paraguay’s designation of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organisations. He added, “India has every right to defend itself. Only those who have suffered the scars of war truly understand the need for strong national security.”

This solidarity reflects a broader consensus among India’s diplomatic allies, as global perceptions of cross-border terrorism shift and democratic nations seek more robust cooperation on security and intelligence-sharing.

Paraguay’s US Ties and the Trump–Biden Contrast

President Peña’s foreign policy approach is also shaped by Paraguay’s longstanding ties with the United States, which he described as “close under every administration.” However, he openly acknowledged that Republican governments, particularly under former President Donald Trump, have engaged more proactively with Latin America.

Peña welcomed the Trump-era shift in trade negotiations, tariffs, and global diplomacy. “We understand the Trump administration wanted to reset the global trade system. While it has led to turbulence, we believe common sense will prevail. In the long run, it will lead to more balanced multilateralism,” he commented.

He also shared concerns about the rise of student activism and antisemitism on US campuses, particularly following the Israel–Hamas conflict of October 2024. As both a former international student at Columbia University and the father of a current student, he believes students must remember that a visa is a privilege, not a right. “You go to study, not to stir unrest. There must be respect for the host country’s laws,” he remarked pointedly.

On Ukraine and Russia: A Firm Voice for Peace

Touching upon the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, which recently intensified with drone strikes launched by Ukraine on Russian territory, President Peña condemned the escalation and renewed calls for a diplomatic resolution.

“Paraguay suffered a war of extermination in 1864, when three neighbouring countries attacked us. We know the horrors of war. We support Ukraine’s right to defend itself but call for urgent peace talks,” he said, reflecting Paraguay’s historically pacifist stance.

He expressed disappointment over the lack of resolution despite President Trump’s earlier mediation efforts and warned that Russia is likely to retaliate, which would only deepen the regional crisis. His appeal: “Let diplomacy prevail before it’s too late.”

Youth, Leadership, and the Social Media Generation

President Peña’s youth and modern political style have struck a chord globally. At 46, he represents a generation of leaders deeply aware of the pitfalls and potentials of digital citizenship. His message to the global youth — especially those living abroad — was both personal and passionate:

“Don’t get disheartened by what you see on social media. Much of it promotes fear, division, and hatred. The world is actually better than you think.”

Calling for a renaissance of civic responsibility, he urged young people to engage meaningfully, “not in digital echo chambers but in real-world solutions.”

India and Latin America: A Relationship Waiting to Blossom

India’s foreign policy in the 2020s has seen bold moves towards strengthening partnerships beyond its traditional neighbourhood — from Africa to Southeast Asia. Latin America, however, remains a relatively under-tapped region, despite the presence of large economies like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.

Paraguay’s President now offers an open invitation: “We are the gateway to a 400-million-strong market. With India’s scale and innovation, we can achieve transformational change together.”

Some areas with immediate potential for cooperation include:

• Renewable energy, especially hydropower (Paraguay is the world’s largest exporter of clean hydroelectric power per capita).
• Educational exchanges and research partnerships.
• Defence collaboration, given both countries’ increasing focus on indigenous military capacity.
• Investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity.

A New Bridge Between Continents

President Santiago Peña’s visit to India might not have made global headlines, but its implications are far-reaching. In a world seeking new alliances and diversified partnerships, Paraguay has positioned itself not just as a trade partner, but as a regional integrator and a diplomatic ally.

By echoing India’s development aspirations, supporting its security concerns, and offering access to Latin America’s burgeoning market, Peña has proposed a model of 21st-century cooperation based on shared values, mutual respect, and long-term vision.

In his own words:

“As the drums of war get louder, the hornets of peace must be louder still.”

Indeed, in this time of polarised politics and fragile peace, Paraguay’s youthful president may just be the bridge the world didn’t know it needed — and India would be wise to cross it.

© The WFY Magazine – June 2025 | World Politics
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