New Delhi is set to open an embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral relations. Uruguay’s ambassador to India, Alberto Antonio Guani Amrilla, has warmly welcomed this move, emphasizing the strengthening bond between the two nations.
In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Amrilla described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very influential leader’ who has adeptly championed the concerns of the Global South on international platforms. He expressed optimism about the future, noting that the diplomatic ties, established in 1960, are entering a crucial phase after 75 years.
‘I am very happy because we are at a pivotal moment in our relationship,’ Amrilla stated. The embassy is slated to open by the end of this year, potentially in June, with hopes that India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Uruguay for the occasion.
Currently, India’s embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, serves Uruguay as well. Uruguay maintains its embassy in New Delhi and an honorary consulate in Mumbai. The ambassador highlighted ongoing discussions to ease visa processes for Indians traveling to Uruguay, possibly during political consultations in Delhi this March.
Amrilla also voiced strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), though without veto power. ‘We support India’s aspiration to become a permanent member, but not with veto rights,’ he clarified, aligning with Uruguay’s stance against expanding veto privileges.
This development underscores a mutual commitment to enhanced cooperation in trade, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties, promising new avenues for collaboration between India and Uruguay.