Venezuela's Acting President pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
New Delhi, June 4
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon, underscoring the continuing relevance of Gandhi's principles in shaping the India-Venezuela relationship.
Taking to X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted: "A tribute to the lasting legacy of Bapu. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this afternoon. Bapu's ideals continue to inspire India-Venezuela partnership."
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Rodriguez in New Delhi, with discussions focused on bilateral ties and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
During their talks, PM Modi and Rodriguez also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties and advancing interests of the Global South.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were also present during the meeting.
"PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging discussions with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela today. The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation in energy, trade, investment, healthcare, automobiles among others," the MEA posted on X.
"The leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the bilateral partnership and advancing the interests of the Global South," it added.
EAM Jaishankar also called on Rodriguez and appreciated her sustained commitment to strengthening the partnership between India and Venezuela.
Following their meeting, EAM Jaishankar took to X and said, "Pleased to call on Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela in New Delhi today. Deeply value her longstanding commitment to the India-Venezuela relationship. Her meeting with PM Narendra Modi will further strengthen our cooperation."
Rodriguez arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a five-day visit to India aimed at further deepening ties between the two nations.
"The visit will further deepen India-Venezuela ties and build on the momentum in the bilateral partnership," the MEA posted on X.
According to the MEA, the Venezuelan delegation accompanying Rodriguez will visit several sites connected with energy, pharmaceuticals, and auto sectors to gain insights into India's technological and industrial capabilities and to explore opportunities for collaboration.
"India has been an important partner of Venezuela in the areas of energy and investment. Indian PSUs have made significant investments in Venezuela in the energy sector, and they are keen to explore opportunities for further enhancing their presence," the MEA stated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Global South cooperation is the way forward. India and Venezuela both have rich resources and complementary strengths. Let's see some concrete outcomes on trade and energy partnerships.
While this diplomatic gesture is nice, I hope our government is also mindful of Venezuela's internal political situation. We shouldn't ignore human rights concerns while pursuing energy deals. Gandhi's values of truth and justice must apply to all partnerships.
Bapu's teachings transcend borders indeed. But I wonder how many foreign dignitaries truly understand the depth of Gandhian philosophy beyond a photo op at Rajghat. Still, any recognition of his universal relevance is welcome.
Lovely gesture! Venezuela is an important partner in Latin America. Our pharma exports can help them a lot. Plus, with their oil reserves and our refining capacity, this could be a win-win. 😊
Interesting timing - Venezuela's debt to India's ONGC is massive. Hoping discussions included economic restructuring. Gandhi's principles of fair dealing would be tested in such negotiations. Let's see what comes out of this visit.
As an expat living in India, I find it beautiful how Gandhi's legacy continues to be a central part of India
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