H.E. Mr. Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Ambassador of Uruguay to India

In a candid conversation with Kanchi Batra, Managing Editor of Diplomatist Magazine, H.E. Mr. Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Ambassador of Uruguay to India, sheds light on the evolving diplomatic ties between Uruguay and India. Reflecting on the 75-year milestone of their diplomatic relationship, Ambassador Guani discusses the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation. From economic and trade partnerships to regional integration through Mercosur, and from international collaboration to promoting tourism, this dialogue provides a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted relationship between the two nations.

1. How would you describe the current state of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and India?

• We have a mature relationship that last year celebrated 75 years of establishment of Diplomatic relations. It is an important moment in which India is looking with more intensity to our region and in this context URUGUAY is an important partner that we need to strengthen our link and at the same time get to know each other better.

2. What are the main sectors of economic and trade partnership between Uruguay and India? Are there any recent agreements or initiatives aimed at enhancing trade relations?

• We are negotiating with India an MoU on Agricultural and another on Audiovisual production which are still pending of approval from the Indian side.

We are also working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Our purpose is to engage with India in new ways of trade. 

3. As a founding member of Mercosur, Uruguay has played a significant role in the development of the organisation. Can you discuss Uruguay’s contributions and current initiatives within Mercosur? How does Uruguay see the future of regional integration and cooperation through this bloc?

Uruguay understands that MERCOSUR should be an agent for development and we need to be an open group of countries in which our international standing should be that of promoting international integration with the dynamic economies of the world, Uruguay has started the temporary Presidency of MERCOSUR and our international insertion is one of our most cherished goals. 

4. Can you elaborate on the key areas of cooperation between Uruguay and India in the international sphere? How do both countries support each other in global forums?

• Uruguay is a closed allied of India in many multilateral initiatives, especially in our common vision of peacekeeping and we have supported each other in future candidacies for the Security Council. We share the view that the present multilateral order is not fair and the participation does not take in account countries that have the biggest population.

5. Uruguay is gaining recognition for its exceptional wines and vineyards. How is the embassy promoting wine tourism to attract Indian tourists to explore Uruguay’s wine regions?

• We shall launch Uruguayan Wines in India on our National celebration on 23^rd August and on October 16 through promoting our quality wines with Indian importers so that all our Indian guests can enjoy them and also visit our wineries when travelling to Uruguay. 

6. What can Indian tourists expect when they visit Uruguay?

• They can expect a welcoming and friendly country, with excellent food, beaches, natural forests, non-polluted places, hot spring and a great time to enjoy all the beauties we have to offer. You will be surprised and surely will like to go back again. 

7. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your tenure as the Ambassador of Uruguay to India?

• The important new horizons that are opening with India as one of the major economies and the interest to expand our relationship increase our relationship that we wish to move to a more reciprocal level.

Concluding remarks

 I would like to appreciate all the support from the Indian friends and celebrate the 75 years of establishment of relations between both countries.