India and Uruguay are preparing to take their relationship beyond traditional diplomacy and trade, with cooperation expanding into technology, innovation, pharmaceuticals, food security and scientific research as New Delhi strengthens its engagement with Latin America.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Uruguay’s Ambassador to India, Alberto Antonio Guani, said India’s decision to open a full-fledged embassy in Montevideo reflects the growing importance both countries attach to the partnership.
He described the move as recognition that countries like Uruguay can play an influential role in global affairs despite their size.
“India has discovered that it is not only important because of its size as a country,” the ambassador said, pointing to Uruguay’s participation in international groupings and its contribution to South-South cooperation.
Trade remains a central pillar of the relationship. Uruguay, a member of MERCOSUR, is working with India to expand the existing Preferential Trade Agreement, increasing the number of products covered from around 450 to nearly 3,000.
“We think that can happen during our presidency, and that would be one of our biggest goals,” he said, expressing optimism that negotiations could gather momentum during Uruguay’s leadership of regional forums.
The ambassador said the two economies complement one another, with Uruguay offering strengths in agriculture and food production while India brings manufacturing capability, pharmaceuticals and technology.
He identified pharmaceuticals as one of the most promising sectors for future cooperation, noting India’s global leadership in medicine production.
Agriculture and food security are also expected to become increasingly important as India’s economy and middle class continue to expand. Uruguay is looking to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, animal health products and value-added food processing.
Beyond conventional sectors, Montevideo sees significant opportunities in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, drones and satellite applications.
“India is a very powerful country when it comes to startups, and we would like to link Uruguayan startups with Indian startups,” Guani said.
He added that connecting innovation ecosystems could help both countries build higher-value partnerships beyond merchandise trade. Discussions with Indian institutions on research and development are also expected during upcoming political consultations.
Scientific collaboration is another area gaining attention. The ambassador highlighted the potential for joint research in Antarctica, where both countries maintain scientific interests, particularly in fields such as climate studies and medicine.
On global governance, Guani reiterated Uruguay’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, while arguing that any reform should also address the issue of veto powers.
“We support India, but we do not support that the new members have the veto,” he said.
The ambassador also called for stronger cultural engagement between India and Latin America, arguing that both regions remain relatively unfamiliar with each other’s traditions despite their rich civilisational heritage. He suggested expanding exchanges through films, festivals, exhibitions and cultural programmes, while pointing to Bollywood as a powerful vehicle for strengthening people-to-people ties.
Looking ahead, Guani said the next phase of India-Uruguay relations will require greater political engagement alongside growing economic cooperation. He expressed hope that exchanges between senior leaders would increase and said a future visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uruguay would provide fresh momentum to a relationship that is steadily broadening in scope.
