Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India and Paraguay were an integral part of the Global South. He called for greater cooperation to combat shared global challenges. He made these remarks during a meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios in New Delhi on Monday, 2 June. Modi urged closer collaboration on matters such as cybercrime, organised crime, and drug trafficking. He held these discussions at Hyderabad House.

Modi said that India and Paraguay stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism. He added that there was immense potential for cooperation to tackle common challenges like cybercrime, organised crime and drug trafficking.

He also stated that both countries could learn from one another. He said they shared similar hopes, aspirations, and challenges. He stressed that both nations could address these challenges more effectively by learning from each other's experiences, reported ANI.

President Palacios arrived in India on a three-day state visit on 2 June. Minister of State Harsh Vardhan Malhotra received him on arrival. The Indian government formally welcomed him with a Guard of Honour at Palam Air Force Station. After completing key meetings in New Delhi, Palacios was expected to travel to Mumbai.

Modi described Palacios' visit to India as "historic." He said the President's stop in Mumbai clearly reflected his commitment to strengthening mutual relations.

He pointed out that this was the second visit of a Paraguayan President to India. He highlighted that Palacios was visiting not only Delhi but Mumbai as well. He said this clearly reflected Palacios’ commitment to mutual relations.

Modi expressed confidence that mutual cooperation would pave the way for shared prosperity. He stated that both nations had new opportunities to cooperate in areas such as digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, health, defence, railways, and space.

Modi also mentioned that India was glad it could support Paraguay during the Covid-19 pandemic by supplying vaccines.

He emphasised that both countries had an opportunity to strengthen India-Latin America ties by building greater trust, expanding trade, and working closely across various sectors. He said he was sure the visit would provide new strength to the pillars of mutual trust, trade, and close cooperation. He added that it would also add new dimensions to India-Latin America relations.

Modi recalled that he participated in the CARICOM Summit in Guyana last year. He said leaders there discussed increasing cooperation on many subjects. He said India could work with Paraguay and all Latin American countries in all these areas.