Panama has offered one of its strongest public endorsements yet of India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while inviting Indian businesses to use the Central American nation as their gateway to Latin America.
Speaking exclusively during his first official visit to India, Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, said the current global order no longer reflects modern geopolitical realities.
“The world today is not the same as it was 80 years ago. The Global South should have a stronger voice, and India deserves to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
The Minister argued that reform of the UN system is essential if it is to remain relevant, adding that Latin America, like India, also deserves greater representation in global decision-making.
His visit focused on expanding cooperation in trade, logistics, maritime affairs, renewable energy and investment. Meetings were held with officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Commerce and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside representatives of India’s maritime sector.
Making a strong investment pitch, Martínez-Acha urged Indian companies to view Panama as the natural entry point to Latin America and the Caribbean. He said Panama’s strategic location, world-class logistics infrastructure and special economic zones provide Indian manufacturers with access to a regional market of nearly 700 million consumers.
Maritime security also featured prominently in discussions, particularly against the backdrop of instability in West Asia and continuing disruptions to global shipping.
Highlighting Panama’s unique role as custodian of one of the world’s most important shipping routes, the Foreign Minister warned against the politicisation of international sea lanes.
“Maritime routes should never be used to influence political decisions or bully other nations,” he said, stressing that freedom of navigation remains vital for global commerce.
The visit also produced concrete outcomes in clean energy cooperation. Panama signed a Country Partnership Framework with the International Solar Alliance, opening the door to collaboration on solar projects, technology development, specialised training and scholarships at IIT Delhi. Both sides are also exploring the establishment of a Solar Centre of Excellence in Panama to serve the wider Latin American and Caribbean region.
The Minister also revealed that Panama is considering opening a visa office in New Delhi, a move aimed at making travel and business easier for Indian citizens.
With support for India’s UNSC ambitions, expanding economic ties and growing cooperation on maritime security and renewable energy, Panama is seeking to position itself as both a strategic partner and India’s preferred bridge to Latin America.
