India and Paraguay held the inaugural session of the Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) in Asuncion, marking a pivotal step in broadening their bilateral framework. The meeting was co-chaired by Paraguay’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Victor Verdun, and India’s Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran. Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the existing partnership, reaffirming the renewed dynamism propelled by the recent State visit of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios to India. That visit was widely regarded as an important milestone in political dialogue and cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.

The Indian delegation welcomed the establishment of the Parliamentary Friendship Commission for India in Paraguay’s Chamber of Senators, noting it as a positive institutional mechanism for sustained bilateral engagement.

Broadening Areas of Cooperation

The meeting featured wide-ranging exchanges covering political and economic relations, technology, infrastructure, energy, health, education, civil aviation, space, tourism, sustainable development and water resources. Both delegations emphasised the importance of robust engagement in multilateral forums and international organisations. The MEA noted that the talks underlined the shared commitment to advancing cooperation in priority sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy—especially solar—biofuels, ICT, cybersecurity, public health, skills training, civil aviation, railways, infrastructure, water management and space collaboration.

The two sides agreed on the need to promote trade, encourage investments and consolidate collaboration across mutually beneficial sectors. They underscored the value of negotiating instruments that would facilitate deeper cooperation and long-term engagement.

Security, Regional Ties and MERCOSUR

Both parties reiterated that terrorism in all forms poses a grave threat to global peace and security, stressing their shared commitment to combat it through strengthened bilateral, regional and international mechanisms. Opportunities to enhance cooperation in security and cybersecurity were also discussed, with both sides expressing willingness to upgrade coordination frameworks for mutual benefit.

The Joint Commission highlighted the importance of enhancing India’s engagement with MERCOSUR to expand economic opportunities. Paraguay reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with India and other MERCOSUR members, recalling the commitment expressed during President Peña’s June 2025 visit to deepen commercial relations under the MERCOSUR–India Preferential Trade Agreement.

Next Steps

Both countries agreed that the next session of the Joint Commission will take place in New Delhi on a mutually convenient date, marking a continuing effort to advance this expanding bilateral partnership