At the 10th CII India-LAC Conclave held in New Delhi, H.E. Mr. Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to India, recalled a pivotal moment in 2002 when Uruguay faced a severe financial crisis. During this difficult period, Indian businesses demonstrated trust in Uruguay’s resilience and stability. This confidence laid the foundation for enduring economic ties.
It was during this period that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) established itself in Uruguay—a decision that proved to be a game-changer. Today, TCS Uruguay serves as a regional hub, expanding its influence across South America.
The Ambassador emphasized that Uruguay’s strategic location and business-friendly environment make it an ideal gateway for Indian companies seeking to expand in South America. With TCS employing over 3,000 people, including 2,000 Uruguayans, it has become the largest exporter of IT in Uruguay.
“TCS is the biggest exporter and producer of IT in Uruguay. There are great chances of opportunities to do more things, and we are willing to expand the possibilities of engaging with India in a more substantive relationship,” he stated.
However, the absence of an Indian Embassy in Montevideo remains a challenge. The Ambassador expressed hope for India to establish a diplomatic presence in Uruguay soon. “We are the only country in South America that does not have an Indian Embassy, and that is a problem,” he pointed out. “It would help me a lot to develop my different ways of projecting issues and, at the same time, seeing how it goes.”
Highlighting Uruguay’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy, Ambassador Guani reflected on the country’s bold decision in 2007 to reduce its reliance on imported gas and fuel. Uruguay made a strategic shift toward renewable energy, transforming itself into a global leader in the field. “After all these years, Uruguay is right now the second country in the world, after Denmark, to apply renewable energies,” he noted.
The Ambassador emphasised the untapped potential for cooperation in this area, noting that India and Uruguay could collaborate on clean energy projects.
Beyond renewable energy, Uruguay is also making strides in technology and innovation. The country is the largest exporter of software in South America—one of the key reasons why TCS has thrived there. “We are going into new areas like, for example, drones, robotics, and even space technology. These are areas in which India is also very much engaged, and for us, they are of great importance,” he highlighted.
Ambassador Guani also underlined the importance of revitalizing diplomatic engagements. He recalled Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit to Uruguay in 1968, which marked a significant moment in bilateral relations. However, since then, there has been no high-level bilateral visit from India. “In 1968, Indira Gandhi visited Uruguay and Argentina. That was the last major bilateral visit of an Indian authority in the region. Prime Minister Modi was there last year, but it was for the G20 multilateral summit, not a bilateral engagement,” he noted. The Ambassador expressed hope for renewed diplomatic exchanges and direct engagement between India and the LAC region.
Emphasising Uruguay’s political stability and democratic values, the Ambassador positioned his country as a reliable partner for India in South America. He highlighted that Uruguay is one of the oldest democracies in the world and shares common values with India. “India, the biggest democracy in the world, can also engage with one of the oldest democracies in the world—that is Uruguay,” he affirmed.
Uruguay’s proximity to Brazil, South America’s largest economy, further enhances its strategic importance. The Ambassador highlighted the Mercosur region—comprising Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay—as one of the most productive and prosperous areas in the world. “Because of the dynamic economy of Brazil, it is important to recognise that the southern part of Brazil, the northern part of Argentina, along with Uruguay and Paraguay, is one of the richest and most productive regions in the world,” he explained.
Ambassador Guani concluded by expressing optimism for the future of India-Uruguay relations, stressing deeper economic ties, technological collaboration, and stronger diplomatic engagements. “We have young populations and shared aspirations. Let us seize the opportunities before us and build a more robust partnership in the years ahead,” he concluded.
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