The Embassy of Guatemala in India hosted a reception on 25th September at The Grand Hotel, New Delhi, to mark the 204th Independence Day of the Republic of Guatemala. The event was graced by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, who attended as the Chief Guest. The evening was hosted by H.E. Omar Castaneda Solares, members of the diplomatic corps, the Indian business community, dignitaries, and distinguished guests to celebrate the occasion.
In his address, Shri Margherita extended India’s warm greetings to Guatemala, underlining the deepening bonds between the two nations. “On behalf of the Government and the people of India, and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and the people of Guatemala on this historic occasion,” he said.
He expressed India’s appreciation for Guatemala’s steadfast solidarity, particularly in the fight against terrorism. The Minister also fondly recalled the celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Cobán, which drew over 10,000 participants. “The participation of more than 10,000 yoga enthusiasts was a landmark moment and a powerful reflection of the growing popularity of yoga in Latin America. It also stood as a shining symbol of the deepening bonds between India and Guatemala,” he noted.
Highlighting the cultural connections between the two civilisations, Shri Margherita remarked: “The similarities between the Mayan and Indian civilisations are truly extraordinary. Both have preserved their rich heritage while embracing modernity, and our nations continue to move forward with resilience and pride.”
The Minister reaffirmed that India’s foreign policy approach, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. He emphasised that this principle found expression in initiatives such as the Voice of the Global South Summit, which seeks to unite developing countries to address shared challenges.
Touching upon bilateral relations, Shri Margherita highlighted progress across digital, healthcare, and educational sectors. “Indian companies in the IT, IT-enabled services, and BPO sectors are not only generating employment but also enhancing skills among the Guatemalan workforce. During my visit to Guatemala in August 2024, I had the privilege of visiting one such BPO run by an Indian company, and I was deeply impressed by its positive impact on the local economy,” he shared.
He further added that Indian pharmaceutical companies are making quality medicines more affordable and accessible in Guatemala, while educational exchanges and training programmes remain vital for capacity building. India recently hosted a training course on transparency and anti-corruption measures for Guatemalan officials in February 2025.
One of the most symbolic highlights of recent ties, Shri Margherita said, was the hoisting of Guatemala’s national flag at the historic Qutub Minar in New Delhi on 15th September 2025. “This symbolic gesture beautifully reflects the warm friendship and mutual respect that bind our two nations,” he remarked.
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