India and Panama engage in high-level discussions focused on United Nations-related issues, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.
In the heart of New Delhi, diplomatic discussions were held between Panama's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, and Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of India's Ministry of External Affairs. The bilateral talks focused on strengthening the warm and friendly political ties between the two nations [1].
During the meeting, Hoyos indicated an attempt to persuade the Prime Minister of India to visit Panama [2]. This potential visit could further bolster the relationship between the two countries.
Looking ahead, Panama's agenda for its presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2025 is primarily focused on maritime security. A high-level open debate titled "Maritime Security: Prevention, Innovation, and International Cooperation to Address Emerging Challenges" is planned, with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino chairing the event [1]. Senior officials from the International Maritime Organization, INTERPOL, and the Panama Canal Authority are expected to deliver briefings [1].
The Security Council, consisting of 15 members, will also address issues such as conflict-related sexual violence, the threat from ISIL/Da’esh, and ongoing conflicts like Ukraine and the Russia-Georgia war anniversary [6]. Panama also intends to emphasise women, peace, and security issues, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel [1].
India has expressed good wishes to Panama for a productive and successful presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2025 [3]. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs conveyed this through official channels following delegation-level talks between the two countries, underlining cooperative engagement on UN matters during Panama’s presidency [3].
The high-level debate on maritime security is intended to foster international cooperation and share innovative approaches, but no formal resolution or outcome document is expected from this meeting [1]. The discussions on conflict-related sexual violence aim to identify innovative strategies for protection and services for survivors [1]. Security Council members will receive briefings and likely hold consultations on ongoing security issues [1].
Panama was elected alongside Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, and Somalia in the last election to fill non-permanent seats [7]. The country is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term [7]. The current non-permanent members include Algeria (2025), Denmark (2026), Greece (2026), Guyana (2025), Pakistan (2026), Panama (2026), the Republic of Korea (2025), Sierra Leone (2025), Slovenia (2025), and Somalia (2026) [7].
Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha had strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in May [8]. During the meeting with Lal, Acha reaffirmed Panama's commitment to counter terrorism and extended solidarity with India [8]. Acha also expressed interest in visiting India [9].
Panama established diplomatic relations with India in 1962 [4]. In 2018, the country appointed a Consul General in Mumbai [4]. The nation also has a resident embassy in New Delhi [10]. India wishes Panama a productive Presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2025.
[1] https://www.un.org/press/en/2023/sc14688.doc.htm [2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panama-seeks-indias-support-for-un-security-council-bid/article66369270.ece [3] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panama-seeks-indias-support-for-un-security-council-bid/article66369270.ece [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panama-appoints-consul-general-in-mumbai/article24740117.ece [5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panama-seeks-indias-support-for-un-security-council-bid/article66369270.ece [6] https://www.un.org/press/en/2023/sc14688.doc.htm [7] https://www.un.org/en/sc/about/members-and-officers/current-members-and-officers [8] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panama-condemns-kashmir-attack/article32237442.ece [9] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panama-seeks-indias-support-for-un-security-council-bid/article66369270.ece [10] https://www.mea.gov.in/india-and-the-world/countries-region/panama.htm
The discussion between Hoyos and Lal suggested an intention to share news about a potential visit of the Prime Minister of India to Panama, which opinion leaders might analyze as a step towards strengthening the political ties between the two nations. The high-level debate on maritime security, planned during Panama's presidency of the UN Security Council, will involve general-news topics such as conflict-related sexual violence and ongoing conflicts, while also encouraging innovation, international cooperation, and the exchange of strategies for protection and services for survivors.
