Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Textiles, will embark on an official visit to four nations in Latin America and the Caribbean from February 28 to March 8, 2025. The visit will cover Uruguay, Bahamas, Barbados, and Nicaragua, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening diplomatic engagement and fostering strategic partnerships in the region.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
The visit aims to reinforce bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges with key partners in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). MoS will participate in high-level meetings, business interactions, diaspora engagements, and site visits to development partnership projects across these nations.
Visit Highlights and Key Engagements
🇺🇾 Uruguay (February 28 – March 2, 2025)
🔹 MoS will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of H.E. Mr. Yamandú Orsi, the President-elect of Uruguay, on March 1, 2025.
🔹 He will hold bilateral meetings with senior officials and business leaders to explore avenues for trade and investment.
🇧🇸 Bahamas (March 2 – 4, 2025)
🔹 This visit follows discussions between Indian and Bahamian Prime Ministers during the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in November 2024 in Guyana.
🔹 MoS will engage with government officials, trade representatives, and Indian diaspora members to enhance economic and diplomatic ties.
🇧🇧 Barbados (March 4 – 6, 2025)
🔹 MoS will review bilateral relations in light of the successful India-CARICOM Summit and the high-level meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Barbados in November 2024.
🔹 On behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he will receive the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ award, announced during the summit.
🔹 Discussions will focus on economic collaboration, climate resilience, and development initiatives.
🇳🇮 Nicaragua (March 6 – 8, 2025)
🔹 This visit marks the first-ever ministerial visit from India’s Ministry of External Affairs to Nicaragua.
🔹 MoS will hold high-level talks with Nicaraguan leadership, exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, healthcare, and technology.
Business and Diaspora Engagement
🔹 During his transit through São Paulo, Brazil, on February 27, 2025, MoS will address a business community event, emphasizing India’s growing economic ties with Latin America.
🔹 Across all four countries, MoS will interact with Indian diaspora members, reinforcing India’s deep-rooted cultural connections in the region.
Advancing India’s Strategic Interests in Latin America and the Caribbean
India shares historical, economic, and diplomatic ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, and this visit is expected to:
✅ Enhance political and trade cooperation with key partners.
✅ Expand development partnerships, especially in healthcare, education, and renewable energy.
✅ Strengthen India’s presence in the region through high-level engagements.
The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and deepening its engagement with emerging economies in Latin America and the Caribbean.