By Mewati Sitaram
Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan hosted a ceremonial reception at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday to welcome the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, who is on his first State Visit to Maharashtra as part of a three-day tour of India.
President Peña expressed deep admiration for India’s development and cultural richness, noting that as the world’s fourth-largest economy and largest democracy, India is poised to play a growing role on the global stage. Speaking at the reception, he emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and highlighted shared values between the two nations as a foundation for deeper cooperation.
Describing Paraguay as the “food basket of Latin America,” President Peña said his country is keen to forge meaningful partnerships with India in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and technology. He also reiterated Paraguay’s commitment to peace, stating that the nation is not engaged in any wars or territorial conflicts.
However, the President raised serious concerns over the impact of organised crime and drug trafficking in Latin America, calling for increased international collaboration to address the issue. “Latin America is a significant producer of narcotics, with Europe as the major consumer,” he noted, urging countries to unite against the global drug mafia.
During his remarks, President Peña also recalled Paraguay’s historic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the United Nations General Assembly in 1955, recognising Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and his influence on global peace movements.
The visiting dignitary was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano, Ambassador of Paraguay to India Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Senator Natalicio Chase, MP Miguel del Puerto, and Governor of Amambay Department Juan Acosta.
Later in the evening, Governor Radhakrishnan hosted a state banquet in honour of the Paraguayan President and his delegation. Among those present were Ram Shinde, Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council; Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal; Maj Gen Bikramdeep Singh, Chief of Staff, M G & G Area; Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Area; and other senior dignitaries and invitees.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
