On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in key bilateral meetings with Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi, aiming to deepen India’s partnerships in Latin America across critical sectors.
In his meeting with President Arce, PM Modi reviewed the growing collaboration between India and Bolivia, particularly in areas like critical minerals, digital infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and capacity building. The two leaders discussed the shared ambition to expand cooperation in critical minerals, identifying it as a sector of mutual strategic interest.
PM Modi welcomed Bolivia’s participation in the International Solar Alliance and expressed India’s solidarity with the Bolivian people following the devastating floods that hit La Paz and other regions earlier this year. He also extended warm wishes to Bolivia as it prepares to mark 200 years of independence on August 6.
The discussions covered a wide range of initiatives, including digital payments through India’s UPI platform, healthcare, traditional medicine, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Both leaders recognized the progress made through Quick Impact Projects and capacity-building programs like the ITEC scholarships, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development partnerships.
Prime Minister Modi also met with President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay. Their discussions spanned the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, with a strong emphasis on expanding economic and digital partnerships. The leaders explored opportunities in ICT, digital public infrastructure, defence, railways, agriculture, and clean energy.
Trade and investment were central to the talks, with both nations agreeing to work toward enhancing the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement. The expansion of this pact is expected to open new avenues for economic growth and greater trade complementarities between India and Uruguay.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India’s appreciation for Uruguay’s unequivocal condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He thanked President Orsi for his country’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.
