From the Heart of South America to the Soul of Asia

Addressing a conference on “Global South & Triangular Cooperation: Emerging Facets”, organised by RIS on 3rd June in New Delhi, the Paraguayan President paid tribute to India’s civilizational richness, contemporary dynamism, and global leadership. “It is a profound honour to be here today in New Delhi—the beating heart of a civilisation that has gifted the world with timeless wisdom, boundless innovation, and deep spiritual insight,” he remarked, setting the tone for a dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.

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From ancient philosophies and sciences to modern innovations, India has long been a source of inspiration and leadership. As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, it stands not only as an economic powerhouse but also, as he emphasised, “a moral and strategic beacon for all of us who aspire to a more equitable and inclusive model of development.”

A Vision for Triangular Cooperation

The heart of his address lay in a compelling call to reimagine global partnerships, particularly among nations of the Global South. Recognising the layered challenges of today’s world—geopolitical volatility, technological disruption, and environmental fragility—championed a model of triangular cooperation. This approach, he stressed, fosters collaboration among peer nations with support from traditional partners, all while upholding sovereignty and mutual accountability.

“This model allows us to collaborate as equals, to harness the expertise of peer nations, and to foster development grounded in sovereignty, mutual respect, and a profound sense of ownership,” he noted.

Paraguay’s vision of development, as outlined in the address, is firmly anchored in principles it shares with India: mutual respect, non-interference, national leadership, transparency, solidarity, and accountability. These ideals, he declared, “are not abstract—they are the foundations upon which we seek to build lasting capabilities—not dependence.”