“I call the Indian presence in Costa Rica the silent giant,” Manuel Tovar, foreign minister of Costa Rica told StratNews Global in an exclusive interview. “Indian companies may not always build large factories, but they are making a significant impact through software development, technology, communications and innovation.”
Tovar is expected in India later this year and hopes for Costa Rica to build cooperation in artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, education, semiconductors, and clean energy.
“India has taken a huge leap in artificial intelligence,” he said. “We are very interested in the Indian approach and want to learn from its experiences while exploring opportunities that can benefit both our societies.”
The minister also identified semiconductors as an area where collaboration could deepen. Both countries are seeking to strengthen advanced manufacturing capabilities and address shortages in skilled talent.
“Human talent is the secret sauce of advanced manufacturing,” Tovar said. “That is why educational exchanges, vocational training and research cooperation are so important.”
Access to affordable healthcare remains one of Costa Rica’s most pressing domestic priorities, and India is seen as a natural partner.
“Securing affordable medicine for the Costa Rican people is an imperative,” Tovar said. “India is one of the world champions in pharmaceuticals, and this is among the top priorities in our bilateral relationship.”
The minister indicated that discussions on healthcare cooperation, traditional medicine and broader pharmaceutical partnerships are expected to feature prominently during his anticipated visit to India later this year.
Tovar’s visit may see him push the case for Rebeca Grynspan to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General when his term concludes.
“Costa Rica may be a small country, but our global standing is disproportionate to our size,” he said. “We are known for punching above our weight.”
Tovar argued that the world body requires reform.
“We do need reform,” he said. “But as we say in Costa Rica, if your dog has ticks, don’t kill the dog, get rid of the ticks.”
He reiterated Costa Rica’s support for a more inclusive United Nations and backed India’s long-standing aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
“India deserves a permanent seat on the Security Council,” Tovar said. “In the current geopolitical context, India is expected to play a leading role.”
“India brings enormous contributions to the international arena,” Tovar said. “It is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, committed to upholding the rules-based international order, multi-lateralism, global peace and prosperity. These are values that Costa Rica also shares.”
With the Indian embassy likely to open soon in Costa Rica, the relationship would be on a solid footing. It would help improve mobility between the two countries.
“This is one of the issues that is on our bilateral agenda,” he said. “We want to ease the flow of Indian tourists and business people into Costa Rica because stronger people-to-people ties are essential for expanding business and tourism.”
