In a major diplomatic outreach aimed at deepening India–Bolivia relations, Indian Ambassador Rohit Vadhwana paid his first official visit to the Department of Beni, marking a milestone in bilateral engagement with the Amazonian region of the South American nation.

During his visit to Trinidad, the capital of Beni, Ambassador Vadhwana met Governor José Alejandro Unzueta Chiriqui at the Autonomous Departmental Government. Discussions centred on expanding cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, and capacity-building initiatives — areas of shared priority for both regions. The Indian Embassy in La Paz said the meeting aimed to identify new avenues of collaboration that could contribute to sustainable growth in Beni while showcasing India’s developmental expertise.

The Ambassador also held a cordial meeting with Cristian Camara Arratia, Mayor of Trinidad, where both sides exchanged views on potential partnerships in civic development and cultural cooperation. A symbolic highlight of the visit was the presence of a Mahatma Gandhi bust at the Mayor’s Office — a reminder of the universal values of peace, non-violence and harmony that continue to bring India and Bolivia closer.

In recognition of his visit, Ambassador Vadhwana was honoured as a “Distinguished Guest” by the Municipal Council of Trinidad during a special session. The Embassy thanked Council President Martha Yanez Hurtado and Vice President Arnoldo Mendez for the gesture, which it described as a reflection of the “warm and growing ties” between India and Beni.

Strengthening educational linkages was another key element of the visit. The Ambassador met Jesús Eguez Rivero, Rector of the Autonomous University of José Ballivián, to discuss academic cooperation, faculty and student exchanges, and opportunities under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. Both sides agreed to explore collaboration in research, skill development and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of Beni’s youth.

Ambassador Vadhwana also engaged with the business community through a meeting with Jorge Nunez del Prado, President of the Beni Private Business Federation. They discussed commercial partnerships, investment prospects, and possibilities for cooperation between Indian companies and enterprises in Beni, with a shared interest in promoting sustainable economic development.

The Indian Embassy extended warm greetings to the people of Beni on the occasion of the region’s 183rd Anniversary, calling it a land of “great future, rich culture and remarkable potential.” The Embassy reaffirmed that India looks forward to building stronger ties with the people and institutions of Beni.