Dear Friends and Esteemed Partners,
As I come to the conclusion of my tenure as the Ambassador of India to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, I write this letter with a deep sense of gratitude, affection, and fulfillment. Serving in this beautiful and dynamic region of Central America over the past three years has been both a professional privilege and a personal honor.
To come straight, as I am, this posting has been a blessing in disguise for me. After serving as India’s Head of Commerce Wing in Washington D.C., transitioning to work in the so-called “backyard” of the United States was not particularly difficult from a diplomatic standpoint. However, the cultural and commercial gaps between our worlds were stark and deeply revealing. Despite being in the same hemisphere as the U.S., the geopolitical landscape in Central America is vastly different—more community-driven, shaped by historical challenges and aspirations for inclusion, development, and dignity. Yet, far from being a limitation, this contrast opened my eyes to the immense untapped potential that exists in Central America.
What truly struck me was the infectious enthusiasm of the governments in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras – eager to build meaningful partnerships with India across sectors. Business stakeholders, many operating in challenging environments, consistently demonstrated a willingness to explore new opportunities, embrace innovation, and engage constructively with Indian counterparts. Perhaps even more inspiring was the genuine curiosity and warmth shown by the local public toward India – its culture, traditions, technology, and global outlook. Whether in remote municipalities or bustling capital cities, I was often met with heartfelt interest in knowing more about India, and how we could work together for mutual benefit. The region’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and resilient spirit left a lasting impression on me. But beyond that, what impressed me most was the sincere desire for progress, reform, and transformation that I encountered at every level. It was this blend of aspiration and authenticity that made my tenure here not only meaningful but truly memorable.
This genuine regional aspiration for progress, reform, and transformation motivated me to actively support the entry of Indian companies and financial institutions into Central America, paving the way for key infrastructure and development initiatives. These collaborative efforts led to significant investments by Indian enterprises such as Pakka Inc. and Pearl Global, among others. During my tenure, I had the privilege of witnessing the steady expansion of leading Indian BPO companies like 24×7.ai, HCL, and TCS, which now collectively provide employment to over 10,000 Guatemalans. These companies have emerged as trailblazers, laying a strong foundation for future Indian ventures in the region, especially in the rapidly growing data center ecosystem.
The automobile sector also saw remarkable growth, particularly with the introduction of Indian-manufactured tuk-tuks, which have become a familiar sight across many Guatemalan towns and villages, an encouraging testament to the rising demand for Indian vehicles. Similarly, Indian pharmaceutical firms such as Krisper, Lukah Medicos, and Caplin Point have established a trusted presence in the local market. Their quality and affordability have made Indian generics a household name across the region, reinforcing India’s reputation as the “Pharmacy of the World.” The remarkable growth in trade relations between India and Guatemala, from around USD 300 million in 2021 to USD 662 million in 2023–24, was the result of sustained and targeted efforts to identify synergies, expand market access, and build mutual confidence among business stakeholders.
Efforts to promote India’s growing infrastructural development in the region encouraged Governments of El Salvador, Honduras and several local municipalities in Guatemala to provide their citizens with similar facilities. Signing of MoU for a landmark USD 1.2 billion urban infrastructure project with Xela, USD 10 billion dry canal projects across Guatemala, metro project in El Salvador, supply of buses in the region, several solar projects, waste to management project, cable car projects were initiated first time in the region.
India has made parallel strides in deepening its bilateral relations with El Salvador and Honduras, emphasizing innovation, digital connectivity, and capacity building. In El Salvador, India is supporting pilot projects in cybersecurity and disaster preparedness, including the introduction of an Early Warning System and Cell Broadcasting technology developed by C-DOT. Meanwhile, India is extending technical and commercial support for the deployment of 5G networks in both El Salvador and Honduras, tailored to each country’s needs. These strategic engagements are reinforced through development cooperation under Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), demonstrating India’s sustained commitment to the long-term resilience, growth, and digital transformation of its Central American partners.
Through the SICA–India framework, India is enhancing regional disaster resilience with the deployment of Early Warning Systems. In partnership with UNDP, the Open Learning Exchange initiative is expected to transform education access for over one million learners in Guatemala. Humanitarian efforts included the donation of 650 tailor-made prosthetic limbs to Guatemalan beneficiaries under the Jaipur Foot initiative.
Although my primary expertise has always been in the commercial domain, I have been truly fortunate to experience the rich cultural heritage and historical depth of this region. The overwhelming public enthusiasm for International Day of Yoga celebrations each year is a powerful reflection of the growing admiration for India among the people. What began as a modest gathering of 200–400 participants in 2021 has remarkably grown into a massive celebration, with over 10,000 participants joining us at a single venue in San Pedro Carchá—setting a historic milestone as the largest-ever IDY gathering outside India. It is heartening to see how India, once relatively unfamiliar to many in the region, is now embraced with warmth and curiosity. Today, Indian festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm and large public participation, becoming part of the local cultural calendar. I will forever remain grateful for the love, respect, and genuine affection extended to me and to India by the wonderful people of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
I remain especially grateful for the warm friendship extended to me by the governments, local authorities, business communities, academic institutions, and the Indian diaspora. The hospitality I received in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras was truly exceptional and will always remain etched in my memory. I have had the opportunity to travel to some of the remotest corners of the region—each time discovering something new about the spirit and resilience of its people.
As I bid farewell, I carry with me not only the memories of landscapes and institutions but, more importantly, of the wonderful people who enriched my experience here. I am confident that the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Central America will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
Please accept my sincere thanks for the unwavering support extended to me and the Embassy team. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and the hope that our paths may cross again. With warm regards and best wishes for your continued success and prosperity.
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