“One of the fundamental pillars of our partnership is the fact that both Uruguay and India are vibrant democracies committed to the welfare of our citizens.”
Uruguay and India have built a cordial and progressive diplomatic relationship. What do you consider to be the key pillars of this partnership?
Thank you very much. It is always a pleasure to address your readers. One of the fundamental pillars of our partnership is the fact that both Uruguay and India are vibrant democracies committed to the welfare of our citizens. We also share complementary strengths that help in balancing our trade relationship.Moreover, there is strong potential for expanding our political engagement. Prime Minister Modi met with President Luis LacallePou in Rio de Janeiro on the sidelines of BRICS Summit on July 7, 2025. Ibelieve thisevent paves the way for an even stronger bilateral connection.
Which sectors in Uruguay present the most promising investment opportunities for Indian companies in 2025 and beyond?
The most promising sectors include pharmaceuticals and information technology. Uruguay has also made notable advancements in areas such as drone and satellite manufacturing, and we are exploring avenues in space research. Additionally, agricultural innovation and our shared interests in Antarctic studies open up further prospects for Indian companies.
The 6th India–Uruguay Foreign Office Consultations took place recently. What were the main agreements or frameworks discussed to enhance bilateral ties?
During the consultations, both countries reaffirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation. We discussed several frameworks, including a pending Memorandum of Understanding on audiovisual co-productions. We also emphasized collaboration in agricultural research and are optimistic about making significant progress on joint projects in these areas.
Uruguay is a global leader in renewable energy. How are you fostering India–Uruguay cooperation in green energy and sustainable technology?
Our collaboration in this field is already underway. For example, the Uruguayan firm Berkes has a manufacturing base in Noida, producing boilers that contribute to reducing industrial emissions. We also see immense potential in green hydrogen technology as a focus for joint innovation and sustainable energy development.
As Uruguay celebrates its 200th Independence Anniversary on August 25, 2025, how is the Embassy planning to involve Indian stakeholders in this milestone?
We are taking steps to deepen engagement with Indian institutions and civil society. As President Professor Yamandú Orsi noted, no Uruguayan president has visited India—a gap we are working to bridge. Our aim is to promote Uruguay as an active and reliable partner in South America and to foster stronger connections across government, business, and cultural sectors.
How is Uruguay planning to leverage cultural diplomacy, including literature, cinema, and education, to strengthen people-to-people ties with India?
We have already collaborated with the University of Delhi to translate two Uruguayan literary works into Hindi—Cuentos de la Selva by HoracioQuiroga and Ariel by José Enrique Rodó. These initiatives are part of our broader strategy to deepen cultural engagement. We look forward to more such exchanges in literature, cinema, and academic cooperation to further strengthen ties between our peoples.
The world recently mourned the loss of former President José Mujica, known for his humility and global humanitarian legacy. How is Uruguay commemorating his life and legacy?
Former President Mujica expressed a wish for his legacy to be carried forward not through monuments, but through the values upheld by future generations. That is precisely what we are seeing—young people looking to his life as an example of leadership, integrity, and compassion. This continuing impact is perhaps the most meaningful tribute to his legacy.
How do you assess India’s interest in expanding ties with Latin America, and how is Uruguay positioning itself within this strategic outreach?
We welcome India’s expanding interest in Latin America. Bilateral trade between India and the region stands at around $50 billion and is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Uruguay is well-positioned as a strategic hub, offering 14 free zones with attractive tax exemptions, free ports, and equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors. We believe that establishing an Indian embassy in Montevideo would further consolidate our role as India’s gateway to South America.
With growing economic and political alignment, are there any initiatives underway to improve visa access, tourism, or student mobility between India and Uruguay?
Yes, we are working on improving these areas. Currently, we do not charge visa fees for Indian nationals. However, Indian travelers often seek multi-country tours, so a regional visa framework—similar to the Schengen system—could significantly boost tourism. Improving air connectivity is also essential. No Indian airline currently operates to South America, and re-establishing routes like Delhi–Madrid could make travel much easier and more accessible.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
My message is one of invitation and encouragement. We hope to see more Indian engagement with Uruguay—be it through trade, tourism, education, or culture. With over 1,000 Indians already living in Uruguay, our country offers a welcoming and dynamic environment for collaboration. We look forward to building a stronger, more vibrant partnership in the years to come.