The President of Paraguay is currently on his first state visit to India. One can’t help but wonder—are all Paraguayans this striking? President Santiago Peña Palacios certainly is, and he also happens to be one of the youngest serving heads of state in the world.
President Santiago personifies the vibrant spirit of a resurgent Paraguay—youthful, forward-looking, and globally attuned. Ascending to the highest office at a remarkably young age, he fuses the vigour of youth with a depth of experience gleaned from his distinguished tenure as an economist and former central bank director. Under his stewardship, Paraguay signals a resolute commitment to fiscal innovation, inclusive development, and purposeful engagement on the international stage.
Addressing a conference on “Global South & Triangular Cooperation: Emerging Facets”, organised by RIS on 3rd June in New Delhi, the Paraguayan President paid tribute to India’s civilizational richness, contemporary dynamism, and global leadership. “It is a profound honour to be here today in New Delhi—the beating heart of a civilisation that has gifted the world with timeless wisdom, boundless innovation, and deep spiritual insight,” he remarked, setting the tone for a dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.
From ancient philosophies and sciences to modern innovations, India has long been a source of inspiration and leadership. As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, it stands not only as an economic powerhouse but also, as he emphasised, “a moral and strategic beacon for all of us who aspire to a more equitable and inclusive model of development.”
A Vision for Triangular Cooperation
The heart of his address lay in a compelling call to reimagine global partnerships, particularly among nations of the Global South. Recognising the layered challenges of today’s world—geopolitical volatility, technological disruption, and environmental fragility—championed a model of triangular cooperation. This approach, he stressed, fosters collaboration among peer nations with support from traditional partners, all while upholding sovereignty and mutual accountability.
“This model allows us to collaborate as equals, to harness the expertise of peer nations, and to foster development grounded in sovereignty, mutual respect, and a profound sense of ownership,” he noted.
Paraguay’s vision of development, as outlined in the address, is firmly anchored in principles it shares with India: mutual respect, non-interference, national leadership, transparency, solidarity, and accountability. These ideals, he declared, “are not abstract—they are the foundations upon which we seek to build lasting capabilities—not dependence.”
Rejecting models that compromise sovereignty or create unsustainable debt, the Paraguayan leader affirmed a powerful alternative: regenerative development. President Peña painted a vivid picture of the future: “More than building roads, we aspire to build citizenship. More than delivering infrastructure, we aim to deliver opportunity and dignity.”
Echoing India’s Environmental Philosophy
In a moving alignment of values, President Santiago praised India’s global initiative Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE), which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how we live and consume. “It urges us to transition from compulsive consumption to conscious conservation, from extractive practices to regenerative systems, and from short-term urgency to long-term stewardship,” he said.
This philosophy, he added, resonates deeply in Paraguay—evident in its clean hydropower reliance, sustainable agricultural practices, and reverence for the land.
A Call for Inclusive, South-Led Global Governance
While recognising the importance of the Global North, President Santiago stressed the need for equitable partnerships. “We call for partnerships defined by active listening, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,” he said, advocating for frameworks where the Global South plays a central role.
He applauded South-led initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Global South Centre of Excellence, and efforts towards resilient infrastructure. These, he asserted, are not peripheral alternatives but “the cornerstones of a more just and inclusive global order.”
True development, he reminded the audience, “is not engineered in boardrooms—it is cultivated in communities, on farms, in classrooms, and at health centres.” Civil society, far from being passive recipients, should be seen as “co-creators of meaningful, lasting progress.”
Paraguay: A Strategic Partner for India
President Santiago presented Paraguay as a nation that is “young, stable, and forward-looking,” with strong macroeconomic fundamentals. In 2024, Paraguay recorded over 4% economic growth, kept inflation below 4%, and maintained an investment-grade credit rating. With low taxes, sound legal protections, and a business-friendly environment, Paraguay offers an attractive gateway to Latin America, particularly through MERCOSUR, a bloc representing over 300 million people.
In terms of sectoral collaboration, he proposed partnerships in agriculture, digital infrastructure, education, health, and clean energy. “We envision collaborative efforts in agriculture—blending Paraguay’s experience in sustainable farming with India’s technological ingenuity,” he stated.
President Peña also reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to triangular cooperation in energy, food systems, digitalisation, and climate action, with India as a trusted partner.
A Defining Moment for the Global South
At a time of shifting global orders, the speaker underscored the urgency of this moment. “Let us not pursue models that trade sovereignty for speed. Let us instead embrace an ethic of cooperation that is empowering, enduring, and deeply respectful.”
Highlighting his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he shared a significant outcome: “We reaffirmed our shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism—including India’s rightful bid for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council.”
He extended a hand of partnership to Indian institutions, both public and private: “Let us bridge the geographic, political, and conceptual distances that have long divided us, and walk together into a new era—one defined by humility, bold vision, and collective purpose.”
He ended with words that reflect both urgency and optimism: “This is a defining moment. The choices we make today will shape the sovereignty, sustainability, and dignity of generations to come.”
As Paraguay and India explore avenues for deeper cooperation, President Santiago’s visit symbolises a bridge between two rich cultures, each with its unique heritage and shared aspirations for the future.
On June 4th, the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host an interaction in Mumbai, where President Peña will address a distinguished audience of CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders.
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