External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday held bilateral talks with Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez in New Delhi, with both sides discussing ways to deepen cooperation in trade, business, maritime affairs, digital technology, healthcare, agriculture and education while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening India–Panama ties.
Welcoming the Panamanian Foreign Minister and his delegation, EAM Jaishankar said the visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and build on the momentum of recent high-level engagements between the two countries.
Recalling his own visit to Panama about three years ago and their meeting during the 5th India-SICA Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last September, EAM Jaishankar said both governments and leaders were keen to expand the partnership across multiple sectors.
He described Panama as an important strategic partner for India, citing its strategic location, economic stability and growing potential.
“Panama serves as a natural bridge for us for global trade routes as a gateway for the wider Latin America region. Anchored by the Panama Canal, your logistics infrastructure certainly sets a global landmark,” EAM Jaishankar said during his opening remarks.
He said India values Panama’s interest in collaborating in areas such as education, scholarships, pharmaceuticals, technology and trade, adding that the country’s sustained economic growth offers significant opportunities for stronger bilateral engagement as India advances towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The External Affairs Minister also thanked the Government of Panama for its support following the Pahalgam terrorist attack last year.
“I would like to thank you and the Government of Panama for your expression of solidarity and support for our right of self-defense in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack that we had last year and for your clear-cut condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.
In a post on X after the meeting, EAM Jaishankar said he was “delighted” to meet Martínez-Acha Vásquez and underscored the importance of strengthening India’s engagement with Panama as a gateway to the Latin American and Caribbean region.
“Our wide-ranging discussions included advancing our trade, business, development, maritime, health, agriculture, education and digital cooperation. Also spoke about our engagement at the multilateral fora,” he said.
