NEW DELHI: Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, will embark on a visit to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba from November 4–10, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday.
During his visit, the Minister is expected to hold meetings with political leaders in all three countries to review bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues in trade, technology, tourism, development partnership, and capacity building. He will also engage with business leaders and the Indian diaspora.
In Ecuador, Margherita will review preparations for establishing a resident Indian Mission in Quito, marking an important step in India’s diplomatic outreach to Latin America.
In Bolivia, he will represent the Government of India at the inauguration of the newly elected President, Rodrigo Paz Pereira, on November 8 in La Paz, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Plurinational State.
In Cuba, the visit will focus on healthcare, digital public infrastructure, and capacity building, with discussions aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation in these sectors.
“The visit of the MoS for External Affairs and Textiles continues the momentum of India’s political engagement with Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba, reflecting a shared commitment to South–South cooperation and inclusive development,” the MEA said in its statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently congratulated Rodrigo Paz Pereira on his electoral victory, noting that India looks forward to deepening its partnership with Bolivia. “Close and friendly ties between India and Bolivia have long underpinned our mutually beneficial cooperation. I look forward to deepening our partnership for shared progress and prosperity,” PM Modi said on X.
Paz Pereira, 58, won the October 19 presidential runoff and will serve a five-year term (2025–2030).
India and Bolivia share longstanding cordial relations, with growing cooperation in minerals, infrastructure, health, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and development partnerships. India opened its resident mission in La Paz in September 2024, while Bolivia established its embassy in New Delhi in 2012.
India has extended humanitarian and medical assistance to Bolivia, including 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and Hydroxychloroquine tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic, and HADR aid following forest fires in 2024. Bolivia continues to benefit from India’s ITEC programme, with annual training slots in areas such as infection prevention, policy design, and crisis management.
-WNN
