- How would you describe the current state of relations between India and El Salvador, and what key areas are you focusing on to strengthen diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties?
Relations between El Salvador and India are experiencing a period of positive growth and great potential. We share a vision of development based on innovation, South-South cooperation, and institutional strengthening.
We are working to expand our agenda of political dialogue, technical cooperation, trade, and culture. There is a spirit of mutual respect and openness that will undoubtedly continue to bear fruit in the coming years.
- Which specific sectors—such as renewable energy, infrastructure, or IT—are emerging as high-potential for Indian investors, and what incentives exist?
We identify significant potential in sectors such as technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, logistics, and light manufacturing.
El Salvador has significant advantages as a trading partner. It enjoys a preferential location in key markets thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Americas, a young, productive, and committed workforce, and a favourable business environment, with an export-oriented free market economy that offers a solid legal framework for investment protection.
During 2025, exports have already reached US$3,418.3 million between January and June 2025; and, through the first quarter, a total of US$11,674.72 million in Foreign Direct Investment was recorded.
The country’s excellent business climate is the result of constant efforts to create favourable conditions for foreign investment, through various legal benefits, modern infrastructure, and measures that guarantee security.
Currently, it stands as a regional benchmark in business facilitation, with a high capacity for diversification.
We extend a warm invitation to Indian businesses to discover the advantages of investing in our country.
- Are there special economic zones or public-private partnership models to attract Indian companies to El Salvador?
The Government of El Salvador, through an integrated strategy, is promoting economic revitalization with business expansion in strategic projects such as Surf City, with a view to strengthening development, especially in key areas such as the country’s coastal strip, which presents significant opportunities for tourism infrastructure.
Similarly, investing in the Historic Centre of San Salvador offers a location with high capital gains and attractive tax benefits for investors, such as income and municipal tax exemptions for up to 10 years.
Likewise, opportunities for public-private partnerships are highlighted in key areas such as infrastructure, energy, logistics, and digitalization. These platforms are designed to facilitate the establishment and operation of foreign companies.
Interested Indian companies can find a favourable, agile environment with competitive human talent. We are very open to facilitating the exchange of experiences and accelerating joint processes.
- How has the Embassy followed up since the visit of Minister of State Shri Pabitra Margherita in August 2024, and what are the next steps?
Minister Margherita’s visit is part of a series of high-level visits by Indian officials to El Salvador, deepening our ties of friendship and cooperation. Our goal is to implement actions that benefit both countries. We view this relationship as a long-term partnership, guided by respect and mutual benefit in important sectors such as trade and cooperation.
- What would you consider a must-see destination in El Salvador for Indian travellers interested in culture, nature, or adventure tourism?
I would definitely recommend Surf City, with its spectacular beaches and volcano circuit, where nature, adventure, and hospitality combine. I would also invite you to explore our archaeological sites, part of the Mayan culture, as well as colonial towns, coffee routes, and unique cuisine.
President Bukele’s administration has also made a major commitment to transforming the Historic Centre of San Salvador, our capital, which has attracted new investment and an increase in domestic and international tourists, strengthening the country’s culture and art, further enriching the history and heritage of this historic place.
In this way, we have hosted important international events, such as Miss Universe, the ISA World Longboard Championship, and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
In 2023, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ranked El Salvador fourth worldwide and first in Latin America, with an increase in international visitors.
By 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council and the specialized consulting firm Forward Keys have specified that the increase will be higher than that achieved in 2023.
Our people, our beaches, and our coffee are undoubtedly attractive to Indian travellers. El Salvador, being a country of short distances, will allow them to enjoy diverse experiences in a short time, and we will welcome them with open arms.
- How is El Salvador working to improve connectivity—such as air routes or shipping lines—with the Indian subcontinent?
Thanks to its strategic location, the country has 35 direct air routes to and from destinations, facilitating timely access to various destinations. These include flights to Mexico, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 25 minutes; to Miami, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 39 minutes; and to Houston, with a journey time of 3 hours and 9 minutes.
Passenger airlines operating in El Salvador include: Avianca, American Airlines, Delta, Volaris, Tropic Air, Iberia, Copa Airlines, UNITED, Spirit, Tag Airlines, FRONTIER, Aeroméxico, AirTransat, and Arajet. The country is also strengthening its position as a regional logistics hub with cargo airlines such as Amerijet International Airlines, Latam Airlines, FedEx, Tampa Cargo, Tag Airlines, DHL, and Copa Airlines.
We are promoting strategic connections, exploring viable routes with India through hubs such as Dubai, Istanbul, and Doha. We are also seeking partnerships with airlines and tour operators to facilitate access and strengthen our connectivity network.
El Salvador is ready to warmly welcome visitors and partners from South Asia, offering not only a privileged location but also key infrastructure for trade and air transport in the region. Connectivity is essential for strengthening ties, and as a logistics hub in Central America, we are actively working to enhance it.
- Is there a growing presence of the Salvadoran diaspora in India, and how are they contributing to strengthening bilateral relations?
The Salvadoran diaspora, although small, is active, respected, and valued. Their role is fundamental in building bridges between our peoples, as they are key players, disseminating our traditions, cuisine, and language.
From the Embassy, we promote their integration and participation in diplomatic and cultural activities. They are allies in building this fraternal and lasting relationship.
- Are there any current initiatives for cooperation in education, training, or technical development between El Salvador and Indian institutions?
Yes, our professionals are beneficiaries of ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programs, where they access high-level training in areas such as ICT, digital diplomacy, health, and energy. We are also exploring partnerships with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
We firmly believe in the transformative power of education, and India is a global leader in this field. We hope to continue expanding these opportunities for Salvadoran talent.
- Looking ahead, how do you envision India-El Salvador ties in five to ten years, and what new initiatives would you like to launch?
I envision a much stronger relationship with India, strengthening our political, diplomatic, economic, commercial, cooperation, and cultural ties.
In terms of initiatives, both countries can work together on artificial intelligence, technological interconnection, digital transformation, technical training, and institutional modernization. Furthermore, we can position El Salvador as India’s regional strategic partner in Latin America, with leadership in solar energy, the circular economy, and inclusive technologies.
- Would you like to send a message to the readers of Envoy Excellency?
To Envoy Excellency readers, I invite you to discover the new El Salvador, the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, which has generated confidence for both domestic and international investment and positioned itself as a global destination for tourism. As of August, international tourism has experienced a 14% growth so far in 2025 compared to the previous year. As of 2nd August, up to 41,000 international visitors were registered, equivalent to almost 50% of the projected 90,000 foreign tourists for this year.