In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, India and Ecuador on 5th November, 2025, Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation between their respective diplomatic training institutions. The agreement was formalised during a meeting between India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, and Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign and Human Mobility Affairs, Gabriela Sommerfeld, in Quito. The accord aims to strengthen institutional collaboration through exchanges of expertise, training programmes, and joint initiatives in the field of diplomacy. Both ministers underscored the importance of such cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and capacity building within the framework of South-South collaboration.
“India remains committed to working with Ecuador in the spirit of South-South cooperation,” Mr Margherita said, emphasising New Delhi’s growing engagement with Latin American nations. During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explored opportunities for collaboration in political affairs, trade, pharmaceuticals, education, culture, and capacity building. They also agreed to encourage partnerships in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agriculture, and tourism.
The meeting followed the joint inauguration of the resident Embassy of India in Quito, a milestone that reflects India’s commitment to deepening its diplomatic and economic presence in the region. The establishment of the embassy is expected to facilitate closer coordination between the two nations and promote greater people-to-people contact. While in Quito, Mr Margherita also met members of the Ecuadorian business community, engaging in discussions on ways to boost bilateral trade and investment. The talks centred on identifying sectors of mutual benefit, including textiles, health, and pharmaceuticals—areas where India has established global expertise. Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Sommerfeld welcomed India’s expanding footprint in Latin America, noting that the partnership holds immense promise for innovation, sustainable growth, and cultural exchange.
The visit marks a renewed phase in India’s outreach to Latin America and the Caribbean, part of its broader strategy to enhance cooperation with nations of the Global South. Through initiatives that emphasise technology sharing, training, and inclusive development, India seeks to foster long-term partnerships based on equality and shared progress. With the signing of the MoU, both countries have signalled a clear intention to transform their growing diplomatic engagement into tangible outcomes that benefit their people and strengthen global South-South solidarity.
