NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu met her copunterpart from Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming President Peña on his first State visit to India, the President said that relations between India and Paraguay have been cordial and friendly. The two countries believe in the same principles and values – democracy, human rights, rule of law, freedom of expression, peace, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both countries have stood firm on the principles that we believe are important, and these principles are rooted in our civilizational values and historical experiences.

The President thanked the Government of Paraguay for its firm condemnation of terror and its message of solidarity following the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. She appreciated Paraguay for its continued support of India’s position on matters of global importance, including at multilateral forums such as the United Nations.

The President was happy to note the growth in bilateral trade between India and Paraguay. However, she pointed out that there is considerable scope for expanding relations in the trade and commercial sectors.

The President said that as part of the Global South, India and Paraguay face similar developmental challenges. She noted that our approach to overcoming these challenges is also very similar: that is, to invest in education, employment, and capacity building, thereby empowering them economically. She stated that India is using technology as an enabler for sustainable development, and equitable access to technologies and the reduction of the ‘digital divide’ are our national priorities. She said that India would be happy to share its experiences in the area of Digital Public Infrastructure with Paraguay.

The two leaders agreed that there is immense potential to further deepen the ties. They expressed confidence that this visit will help strengthen the relations and open new areas for engagements.