The Indian Panorama

Tag: Mohapatra

  • Embassy of India Celebrates the 53rd Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Guatemala

    Embassy of India Celebrates the 53rd Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Guatemala

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala, commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Guatemala with a special celebration on 15 May 2025. The event was graced by H.E. Mr. Carlos Ramiro Martínez the Foreign Minister of Guatemala and Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Ambassador of India. The celebration witnessed the presence of approximately 200 distinguished guests. These included members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials from various ministries, prominent dignitaries, business leaders, friends of India, and members of the Indian community in Guatemala.

    Mr. Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Foreign Minister of Guatemala, delivers his remarks during the 53rd anniversary celebration, commending India’s contributions in health, energy, technology, and humanitarian cooperation.

    The celebration highlighted the growing strength of India-Guatemala bilateral ties which are rooted in mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a commitment to global peace and sustainable development. The two countries have maintained close political cooperation through high-level engagements and multilateral collaboration. This anniversary served as a moment to reaffirm the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, with a focus on expanding collaboration in trade, development cooperation, digital technologies, and infrastructure.

    Mr. Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Foreign Minister of Guatemala, pays floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, honoring his legacy of peace, non-violence, and universal brotherhood during the 53rd anniversary celebration of India-Guatemala diplomatic ties.

    During the event, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra emphasized that the growing India–Guatemala partnership is rooted in mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a forward-looking vision focused on innovation, inclusive growth, and cultural exchange. Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Carlos Ramiro Martínez welcomed India’s expanding footprint in Guatemala, appreciating its contributions in health, education, technology, and infrastructure, and reaffirmed Guatemala’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

    As part of India’s ongoing commitment to providing holistic humanitarian health assistance, the occasion was also utilized to formally hand over a confirmation letter to the Ministry of Defense of Guatemala for the organization of an artificial limb fitment camp within the Ministry’s premises. The letter was presented by Dr. Prem Bhandari, Chairman, Jaipur Foot USA, to the Executive Secretary of CONRED, Ms. Claudinne Ogaldes and Inspector General of the Army from Ministry of Defense, Mr. William Oswaldo Sierra Sam. The proposed camp is planned to run for approximately 50 days and aims to provide around 600+ prosthetic limbs to the beneficiaries of Guatemala. This initiative will be carried out by a dedicated team from Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), consisting of seven skilled technicians and two team leaders. The necessary machinery and equipment for the camp are expected to arrive at a Guatemalan port in September 2025, with operations scheduled to begin in October 2025.

    Distinguished guests pay homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi

    Cultural and people-to-people connections continue to serve as a cornerstone of India-Guatemala relations. The Embassy’s efforts in cultural diplomacy have seen great success, notably the International Day of Yoga 2024 celebration at Mariscal Zavala which attracted over 5,000 participants, one of the largest in Americas and probably one of the largest in the world outside India. Building on this momentum, the Embassy, in partnership with the Governor of Cobán, the Ministry of Education, Asociación Centro Don Bosco, and the Municipalities of Talita Kumi and San Pedro Carchá, is organizing what is expected to be the largest-ever IDY celebration outside India. Scheduled to be held in Carchá on 13 June 2025, the event is projected to draw around 12,000 participants, with nearly 10,000 registrations already confirmed. In recognition of the shared values of peace and non-violence, and acknowledging the Asociación Centro Don Bosco’s deep commitment to Gandhian principles, especially in light of its historical experience during Guatemala’s civil war, Ambassador handed over the approval of Government of India for gifting of three busts of Mahatma Gandhi to the Association, which would be inaugurated during the IDY event in Coban.

    Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra with Mr. Carlos Ramiro Martinez, Foreign Minister of Guatemala, alongside Ms Claudienne Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED, and Mr. William Oswaldo Sierra Sam, Inspector General of the Army, Ministry of Defense at the 53rd anniversary celebration of India-Guatemala diplomatic ties.

    Economic and commercial ties between India and Guatemala have shown remarkable progress in recent years with a bilateral trade of US$663 million in 2024. India is now among Guatemala’s key Asian partners in trade and investment. Indian companies such as Pakka Inc and various textile firms have made significant investments in Guatemala, generating employment and contributing to industrial growth. BPO companies linked to Indian entities are already employing over 10,000 Guatemalans. India’s multifaceted engagement with Guatemala has witnessed significant developments across various sectors. Indian companies are currently undertaking a feasibility study to explore possibility to open three major data centers in the Central American region, two of which are identified in Guatemala. Another Indian company has committed a substantial investment of USD 150 million in the Petén region for vegetable oil production, contributing to agro-industrial development and job creation. Under the SICA-India cooperation framework, India continues to support Early Warning Systems (EWS) to enhance disaster resilience in the region. Through a collaboration with UNDP, the Open Learning Exchange initiative is targeting education enhancement, reaching one million learners across Guatemala. In a humanitarian gesture, India has donated several Indian generic medicines to municipalities across the country, supporting local healthcare systems.

    The Guatemalan Transport Association’s recent visit to India has opened avenues for a transformative public mobility initiative, with a potential order of thousands of buses. In Xela, a USD 1.2 billion urban infrastructure development projects are under discussion, further cementing bilateral cooperation. Recognizing the Ambassador of India’s contributions, the Municipality of Xela conferred its highest civilian honor on him. Earlier this year, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala participated in the prestigious CII Partnership Summit, further underlining the robust engagement between the two nations.

    Distinguished guests, including high-ranking officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Indian community, gathered to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of India-Guatemala diplomatic relations.

    The Embassy of India has facilitated the formation of the India-Guatemala Chamber of Commerce & Industry to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The Chamber aims to serve as a key platform for connecting businesses, fostering partnerships, and promoting economic engagement between the two countries. The successful implementation of a waste-to-energy/ compost project at Oakland Mall has set the tone for sustainable partnerships, with a second project underway at Miraflores, Guatemala City. To promote Indian film Industry and Indian movies in the Central American region, Embassy organized an Indian Film Festival across 20 locations in Guatemala, which was met with widespread appreciation. These collaborations underline India’s commitment to contributing to Guatemala’s development priorities through innovation and sustainable practices.

    The event on 15 May served not only as a celebration of the past 53 years of diplomatic ties but also as a reaffirmation of the shared vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for India and Guatemala.

    (Based on a press release issued by Mr. Ramesh Khulbey)

  • Ambassador of India to Honduras Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra discussed with the country’s leaders strengthening cooperation across a range of sectors

    Ambassador of India to Honduras Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra discussed with the country’s leaders strengthening cooperation across a range of sectors

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, the Ambassador of India to Guatemala and concurrently accredited to Honduras, conducted a notable visit to Honduras from October 29 to November 1, 2025. This visit underscored the deepening bond between India and Honduras, two nations with diverse histories and growing partnerships. The trip focused on strengthening cooperation across a range of sectors, including health, infrastructure, community development, and people-to-people exchanges, marking a significant milestone in India-Honduras relations.

    Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra’s visit to Honduras began with an important meeting with Vice Minister Tony Garcia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Tegucigalpa. This initial discussion set a collaborative tone for the visit, underscoring the shared interests of India and Honduras in strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding areas of cooperation.  This meeting marked a significant step toward bolstering bilateral relations and advancing economic collaboration between India and Honduras. The discussions centered on enhancing trade and opening doors for Indian companies to participate in Honduras’s infrastructure projects. Both dignitaries recognized the mutual benefits of fostering closer economic ties, emphasizing how Indian expertise in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development could support Honduras’s growth ambitions. Vice Minister Garcia expressed a strong interest in facilitating Indian investment, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, which are critical to Honduras’s modernization and connectivity goals. While apprising about the latest development on various important projects like introduction of 5G technology in Honduras, Ambassador Mohapatra highlighted India’s commitment to sharing its expertise and innovative solutions, which could accelerate Honduras’s economic development while offering Indian businesses new avenues for growth. By promoting partnerships in these areas, the dialogue laid a robust foundation for increased bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation, aligning with the strategic goals of both countries.

    Meeting with Manuel Diaz-Galeas, Attorney General of Honduras.

    Following the meeting with Vice Minister Garcia, Ambassador Mohapatra held a significant conversation with Mr. Manuel Diaz-Galeas, the Attorney General of Honduras. The dialogue centered on enhancing bilateral collaboration in areas of law enforcement, capacity building, and mutual support in international forums. This interaction highlighted both countries’ shared dedication to upholding the rule of law, ensuring public safety, and promoting a transparent legal framework. The conversations with Vice Minister Tony Garcia and Attorney General Manuel Diaz-Galeas highlighted India’s commitment to supporting Honduras in its journey toward economic modernization, capacity building, and infrastructural development. Ambassador Mohapatra’s discussions laid the groundwork for closer cooperation that promises mutual benefits and a deepening friendship between India and Honduras.

    Visit to the Puerto Lempira Hospital with Vice Minister H.E. Ms. Suani Montalvan, Health Ministry, Honduras.

    Health collaboration between India and Honduras has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship, with India bringing its extensive expertise and resources to support Honduras in overcoming healthcare challenges. During Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra’s visit, a significant dialogue was held with the Honduran Health Minister, H.E. Dr. Carla Marina Paredes, focusing on critical aspects such as improving healthcare accessibility, advancing medical technology, and strengthening pharmaceutical cooperation. Given India’s global reputation for affordable healthcare solutions and high-quality pharmaceutical production, the discussions highlighted India’s potential to play a transformative role in enhancing healthcare services and expanding access in Honduras. A key highlight of Ambassador Mohapatra’s visit was a trip to Puerta Lempira Hospital in the Gracias a Dios Department, accompanied by Vice Minister Ms. Suani Montalván. This visit provided an opportunity to assess the hospital’s current infrastructure, resources, and immediate needs. The Ambassador and the Vice Minister engaged in discussions about ways India could offer support, whether through knowledge exchange, providing medical training programs, or possibly supplying essential medicines. The visit underscored a shared commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in Honduras, with particular emphasis on community healthcare services in underserved regions. Both sides explored how India’s experience in developing accessible healthcare models could be tailored to meet the unique needs of the Honduran population, especially in rural and remote areas like Gracias a Dios. This collaboration also includes exploring the potential for telemedicine and digital health solutions to reach remote communities more effectively. Ambassador Mohapatra’s visit to Puerta Lempira Hospital demonstrated India’s readiness to contribute to a resilient, sustainable healthcare system in Honduras, paving the way for future collaborations that would further enhance healthcare quality, access, and delivery.

    Visit to the Miskita Krata & the Miskita Tansing Communities

    Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra’s visit to the Miskita Krata and Tansing communities in the Department of Gracias a Dios represented a significant step in exploring India’s role in enhancing healthcare access for underserved populations. In Krata, Ambassador Mohapatra met with local leaders and community members to assess the feasibility of establishing a health facility tailored to meet the unique needs of the region. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to supporting global health initiatives, particularly in remote and underserved areas, by providing essential medical infrastructure that could transform healthcare accessibility for the local population. Ambassador Mohapatra engaged with municipal health chiefs and regional unit heads to discuss critical topics affecting the community’s healthcare, including resource allocation, potential health partnerships, and sustainable approaches for facility management. The discussions underscored India’s dedication to fostering strong, people-centered diplomacy by extending healthcare support to areas where it is most needed, promising lasting benefits for the residents of Gracias a Dios and reinforcing India’s commitment to global health development.

    The visit concluded on a highly positive note with the signing of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) between Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra and Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina, marking a pivotal milestone in India-Honduras relations. This agreement signifies a step forward in bilateral cooperation, as these small-scale, high-impact QIPs are tailored to address immediate needs, deliver tangible results, and directly benefit local communities. For Honduras, the Quick Impact Project embodies a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating local development, especially in underserved areas, by improving essential infrastructure and providing targeted resources. India’s role in supporting such initiatives underscores its commitment to the Global South, where collaboration is based on mutual respect and shared growth goals. As a nation with a robust history in infrastructure and sustainable development, India is well-positioned to bring technical expertise, affordable solutions, and impactful results to Honduras’s development agenda. This project not only reflects India’s dedication to strengthening bonds with its Latin American partners but also highlights the potential of QIPs to serve as building blocks for broader, long-term collaborations that can enhance economic resilience and improve quality of life in Honduras.

    Signing of MoU on Quick Impact Project (QIP) between Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra and Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina.

    The visit concluded on a promising note, underscoring the importance of Honduras as a valuable partner for India in the Central American region and on the international stage. Honduras’s strategic role in regional forums and its commitment to addressing developmental challenges make it a pivotal ally for India in Central America. Through this visit, India has reinforced its diplomatic footprint in the region, paving the way for deeper collaboration in areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development. India’s global recognition in the health sector, renowned for its affordable and innovative solutions, resonates strongly with Honduras’s goals of expanding healthcare access, especially in remote areas. Additionally, the increasing demand for India’s Quick Impact Projects highlights the appeal of India’s approach—delivering high-impact, community-focused development initiatives that bring immediate benefits to local populations. The signing of the QIP during this visit reflects both nations’ shared vision for sustainable growth, solidifying a foundation for long-term cooperation that promises to advance mutual prosperity and strengthen India’s role as a committed partner in the Global South. 

    (Based on a press release issued by Ramesh Khulbey)

  • India gifts Millet Seeds to Guatemala

    India gifts Millet Seeds to Guatemala

    Ambassador Mohapatra served delicious millets-based food to the Guatemalan delegation.
    Ambassador Mohapatra holds discussions with Guatemala delegation about Signing of a MOU on Agricultural Cooperation between India and Guatemala.

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): On 24 May 2023, a significant event took place at the Embassy of India in Guatemala, where Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra officially handed over a consignment of four varieties millet seeds to the Agricultural Minister of Guatemala, Mr. Edgar René De León Moreno. The handover ceremony was organized at the Embassy Residence and was attended by Mr. Guillermo De León Agreda, Cooperation Director, Mr. Rafael Oroxon, International Cooperation; and Mr. Rafael Oroxon, General Manager of the Institute of Agricultural Science from Guatemalan side, including representatives from the Embassy.

    The millet seeds provided by the Embassy of India will play a crucial role in promoting food security in Guatemala. Millets are highly nutritious and resilient crops that can thrive in various agro-climatic conditions. By introducing millet cultivation, the agricultural sector of Guatemala can diversify its food production and enhance resilience against climate change and other agricultural challenges. The handover of millet seeds signifies India’s expertise in millet cultivation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. By sharing these seeds, India aims to contribute to Guatemala’s agricultural development and promote the adoption of advanced farming methods. The millet seeds provided by the Embassy can serve as a valuable resource for research and development initiatives in Guatemala’s agricultural sector. Researchers and scientists can study the characteristics of these seeds, explore their adaptability to local conditions, and develop improved crop varieties that are better suited to Guatemala’s agro-ecosystem.

    The handover ceremony serves as a platform to strengthen agricultural cooperation between India and Guatemala. It facilitates knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and collaboration in the field of agriculture. By nurturing this partnership, both countries can benefit from shared expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to address common agricultural challenges. This gesture reflects the commitment of the Embassy of India to support Guatemala in its agricultural development endeavors. The event not only symbolizes the exchange of seeds but also signifies the deepening friendship and collaboration between the two nations in the agricultural sector. It is expected that this initiative will lead to fruitful outcomes, contributing to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector in Guatemala.