Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios holds talks with PM Modi, condemns Pahalgam terror attack

During a press briefing, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) at MEA, emphasised that both leaders "unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms", with President Pena extending deep harmony with the victims and their families.

Pena is on a three-day India tour, which will conclude on June 4, ANI reported. 

"Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep appreciation to Paraguay for its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack, as well as for the sincere condolences and solidarity expressed with the people and the government of India. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. On behalf of the Paraguayan people, President Pena expressed his deep solidarity with the victims and families of the terrorist attack," Kumaran stated during the briefing.

On April 22, terrorists backed by Pakistan, shot dead 26 people in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir. Two weeks later, under ‘Operation Sindoor’, India attacked nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 

Kumaran also mentioned that during President Pena’s meeting with PM Modi, both the leaders expressed support for setting up a Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) at the Secretary or Vice-Minister level to strengthen collaboration in key areas of shared interest, reported ANI.

Acknowledging India's expanding influence in the global economy, MEA highlighted President Peña’s strong interest in encouraging Indian investments in Paraguay.

"The two sides welcomed the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism at the Secretary or Vice Ministerial level. The JCM will serve as a key platform to review and advance cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest. Recognising India's growing global economic role, President Pina expressed keen interest in attracting Indian investments to Paraguay. He engaged with prominent Indian business leaders in Delhi. He is scheduled to travel tomorrow to Mumbai and interact with top Indian business leaders and companies," Kumaran added.

President Pena will also be meeting his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where a banquet will be hosted. 

"The two leaders held a comprehensive discussion on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, ICT, digitalisation, innovation, disaster management, science and technology and people-to-people links. The President is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu in the evening at Rashtrapati Bhawan, where a banquet will be hosted for him. The bilateral relationship was expanded steadily with growing cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay is a growing trade partner for India in the Latin American region”, Kumaran said. 

Earlier in the day, President Pena paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and laid a wreath at the memorial.

(With inputs from ANI)