Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a delegation-level talks with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios, when they discussed working further in fields like digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, health and space.

Modi said he had a 'productive' discussion with the visiting President.

After the meeting, Modi wrote on X: "Had a productive meeting with the President of Paraguay, Mr. Santiago Peña in Delhi. Paraguay is a valued partner in South America and our nations are connected by shared values."

He further said: "Our talks covered diverse subjects, prime among which was close economic cooperation."

Modi said during the meeting that they found immense potential in boosting trade linkages.

"We see sectors such as digital technology, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, health and space as key areas where our nations can work together," he said.

In his opening statement, Modi said India and Paraguay stand united in the fight against terrorism.

"India and Paraguay are integral parts of the Global South. Our hopes, aspirations and challenges are similar. And this is why we can learn from each others’ experiences to deal with these challenges effectively," he said.

The President is visiting India at the invitation of Modi from June 2 to June 4.

President Peña will also visit Mumbai, before returning to Paraguay on June 4.

"The State Visit of President Peña will be his first visit to India and only the second visit by a President of Paraguay," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

President in Mumbai

During his visit to Mumbai, the President will meet the state political leadership, business and industry representatives, startups, innovators and tech leaders.

India-Paraguay Relationship

India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on 13 September 1961, cultivating warm and friendly ties between the two nations. Both countries have since developed cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Paraguay is an important trading partner for India in the Latin American region. Several Indian companies in the auto-mobile and pharmaceuticals sector have their presence in Paraguay and some Paraguayan companies, mainly through Joint Venture entities, are present in India, thereby contributing to the economic ties between the two nations, read an MEA statement.

The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and combating terrorism.

(With inputs from IBNS)