The Embassy of Guatemala in India hosted a vibrant reception on 25th September at The Grand Hotel, New Delhi, to mark the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Guatemala. The evening was graced by the presence of Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, who joined as the Chief Guest, alongside distinguished members of the diplomatic community, senior officials, friends of Guatemala, and Guatemalan families residing in India.
In his address, H.E. Omar Castañeda Solares, Ambassador of Guatemala to India, highlighted the significance of the occasion and the growing strength of India–Guatemala relations. “It is a privilege and a joy to celebrate the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of Guatemala and Central America here in India — the world’s largest democracy and a valued partner of my country,” he said.
This year holds a special milestone as Guatemala and India celebrate 53 years of diplomatic relations, a partnership that has grown steadily across political, commercial, and cultural domains. Noting the expanding trade ties, the Ambassador pointed out: “Bilateral trade has crossed USD 580 million in the last biennium, and we are confident that this trajectory will only grow further.”
The Ambassador recalled the cultural and civilizational connection between the two nations, observing that both India and Guatemala draw strength from their ancient heritage. “The Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — ‘the world is one family’ — resonates deeply with Guatemala’s Mayan heritage. In the sacred Popol Vuh, the Mayan K’iche text, it is written: ‘Let us rise up as one. Let no one be left behind. Let there be neither one nor two of us, but us all.’ These timeless principles of inclusiveness bind our peoples across continents and inspire our shared journey.”
Reflecting on recent challenges, the Ambassador expressed Guatemala’s solidarity with India. “Following the heinous terrorist attack in Palgham, Guatemala expressed its strong condemnation and reaffirmed its support for India in its fight against this global scourge,” he said.
Ambassador Solares also emphasised the two nations’ shared legacy in global peace efforts. “India and Guatemala share a proud tradition of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping operations, serving in some of the most difficult conflict zones to protect the vulnerable. During our joint tenure on the UN Security Council in 2012–2013, India and Guatemala worked closely to advance the noble cause of peacekeeping.”
Cultural diplomacy was also a highlight of his remarks, with the Ambassador proudly sharing that Guatemala hosted one of the largest International Day of Yoga celebrations outside India. “In San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, more than 10,000 people came together in June 2025 for a landmark celebration, organised with the Embassy of India in Guatemala. This reflects the growing cultural synergy between our nations,” he noted.
On the pressing issue of climate change, Ambassador Solares echoed the words of Guatemalan President H.E. Bernardo Arévalo at the UN General Assembly: “Climate change is the greatest existential threat humanity is facing, and we can only address it through joint action.” He underlined Guatemala’s commitment by joining India’s Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) last year, thanking India for its “valuable technical support, knowledge exchange, and collaboration” in building resilience against climate challenges.
The Ambassador concluded on a note of gratitude and friendship, extending thanks to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, Guatemala’s Honorary Consuls in India and the region, and all those who contributed to the success of the celebration. “Tonight is not only a commemoration of Guatemala’s independence, but also a celebration of friendship — with India, with Central America, and with the world.”
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