External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the inauguration of the Embassy of the Republic of Honduras in New Delhi on Thursday, described the occasion as a significant milestone that opens a promising new chapter in the longstanding and warm relationship between the two nations.
Jaishankar extended his appreciation to Honduras for condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Addressing his counterpart, Eduardo Enrique Reina García, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras, he said, “Minister, let me first acknowledge the statement of solidarity from your country on the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We value your public commitment to opposing terrorism in all its forms. It is completely unacceptable in any civilised world. We appreciate your support as we continue to battle terrorism in our region.”
The minister said that the opening of the embassy reflects the shared vision and commitment between India and Honduras to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen institutional cooperation. “I regard this not merely as a ceremonial event but as a testament to our mutual commitment to expand the frontiers of our collaboration,” he said.
He further added that the embassy signifies India’s aspiration to build strong partnerships across the Latin American region, rooted in values of mutual respect, solidarity, and shared progress.
Reflecting on the bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties on September 28, 1994, Jaishankar highlighted steady growth across political, commercial, developmental, and cultural dimensions. “Our engagements have been guided by a spirit of friendship and a belief that international cooperation serves broader humanitarian interests,” he added.
Discussing economic relations, Jaishankar stated that bilateral trade now stands at USD 310 million, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and machinery, while importing coffee, wood, and leather from Honduras. He pointed out that the diverse trade basket demonstrates considerable potential for growth in sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.
“During our productive talks earlier today, we agreed on the need to strengthen business-to-business linkages, foster investment partnerships, and explore complementarities while exchanging experiences relevant to Indian companies,” he said.
Highlighting Honduras’ strategic location and favourable investment climate, Jaishankar observed its potential in renewable energy and IT-enabled services. He also mentioned a recent collaboration between Hondatel, Honduras’ national telecom operator, and Reliance Jio, aimed at rolling out a 5G network in the country. “This collaboration marks a significant step in digital connectivity and technology innovation,” he added.
Expressing confidence in the embassy’s future role, Jaishankar said it would serve as a hub for trade promotion and business engagement. “The embassy will encourage entrepreneurs to use it as a base for matchmaking, provide institutional support, and facilitate greater initiatives and activities,” he said.
