At the 10th CII India-LAC Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, H.E. Mr. Fleming Duarte, Ambassador of Paraguay to India, highlighted the strengthening bilateral relationship between Paraguay and India. He emphasised the immense potential for collaboration in renewable energy, biofuels, food security, and technology, while also calling for deeper South-South cooperation.
A Strong Advocate for Latin America-India Relations
Having served in India for seven years, Ambassador Duarte noted his extensive experience in fostering Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) ties with India. “I served as the dean of the Latin American and Caribbean countries, and participated in four or five conclaves, including one outside India, in Santiago, Chile—the only one held beyond Indian borders,” he remarked. He expressed hope that future conclaves would once again take place in Latin America, signaling the growing importance of mutual engagement.
Renewable Energy: A Shared Opportunity
Ambassador Duarte underscored Paraguay’s leadership in renewable energy, a sector with immense collaboration potential with India. “Ninety percent of our energy comes from hydro plants. We have one of the biggest hydro plants with Brazil, the binational Itaipu, and with Argentina, Yacyretá. We are probably one of the few countries that export energy to other nations, including Brazil and Argentina,” he stated.
Highlighting the biofuel sector, he pointed out that Paraguay has been implementing public policies on biofuels for over 30 years. “Of course, our neighbour Brazil is the leader in this regard. Last year, India launched the Global Biofuel Alliance, which we are also a member of, along with the International Solar Alliance,” he added, applauding India’s initiatives in renewable energy.
Food Security and Agribusiness Potential
Speaking about Mercosur’s role in global food security, Ambassador Duarte described the bloc as the “grain of the world.” “We are only 6.5 million people, but we feed 100 million globally. Combined, Mercosur reaches around 600 million,” he stated. With India’s growing middle-class consumer base of 300 to 400 million, he highlighted the significant potential for increased agricultural trade.
Technology and Healthcare: Areas for Growth
Recognising India’s strength in technology, biotechnology, and healthcare, the Ambassador stressed the need for deeper cooperation. He noted the shared interest in natural medicine, saying, “We have more than 3,000 herbs used in Paraguay, while you have Ayurveda, which you have systematized. There is much for us to learn from India.”
Tourism and Infrastructure: Building Bridges
Ambassador Duarte reflected on the high-level visits, such as the then Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu’s visit to Paraguay in 2019 and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s inauguration of India’s embassy in Asunción. “We are very grateful to India for this opening,” he acknowledged, while advocating for more Indian missions in South America, including in Uruguay and Ecuador.
He also highlighted Paraguay’s infrastructural developments, such as the construction of the Interoceanic Road, which will connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, creating new trade routes and boosting regional connectivity.
A Vision for South-South Cooperation
Ambassador Duarte praised India’s leadership in promoting South-South cooperation, particularly its growing engagement with Brazil. “The South-South cooperation is also more realistic at the moment, and India is leading this approach with Brazil in our region,” he observed. He called for more frequent business missions between India and Paraguay, noting that the digital age has made distance less of a barrier.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership with Promise
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Duarte expressed optimism about the future of India-Paraguay relations. “I believe there are a lot of challenges, but opportunities lie there,” he affirmed. With expanding trade, energy collaboration, and infrastructure investments, the partnership between India and Paraguay is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
Leave a Reply