India–Colombia Relations: Secretary (East) P. Kumaran’s Official Visit Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Bogotá, August 22, 2025 — India and Colombia took another step forward in their growing partnership as Secretary (East) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, P. Kumaran, paid an official visit to Bogotá from 21–22 August 2025. The visit underscored the expanding scope of India–Colombia relations, covering political cooperation, trade, digital partnerships, and cultural exchanges.

Strengthening India–Colombia Political and Multilateral Engagement

Secretary Kumaran held detailed discussions with Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs, MoFA, focusing on strengthening bilateral political dialogue, advancing South–South cooperation, and collaborating on issues of global governance. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely at multilateral platforms.

Expanding India–Colombia Digital Cooperation

With technology emerging as a key pillar of cooperation, Secretary Kumaran met Julián Molina Gómez, Minister of Information and Communications Technologies (MINTIC). The discussions highlighted opportunities for deepening digital cooperation through IT services, startups, cybersecurity, and e-governance. Indian expertise in the digital domain is expected to play a major role in supporting Colombia’s technology-driven growth.

Cultural Diplomacy and India’s Role at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026

In a meeting with Yannai Kadamani, Minister of Culture, both sides discussed ways to expand India–Colombia cultural cooperation, including cultural exchanges and literary partnerships. India’s upcoming role as Guest of Honour at the Bogotá International Book Fair 2026 was highlighted as a milestone moment for strengthening cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

Boosting India–Colombia Trade and Economic Partnership

Secretary Kumaran’s talks with

Luis Felipe Quintero, Vice-Minister for Foreign Trade (MINCIT), focused on boosting bilateral trade, enhancing market access for Indian goods and services, and exploring collaboration in key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and services. Both sides expressed a strong interest in promoting trade diversification and private sector linkages.

Engagement with Business and Think Tanks

The visit also included interactions with the India–Colombia Chamber of Commerce and Indian businesses, where Secretary Kumaran encouraged greater private sector involvement in trade and investment. A working lunch with the CORI Think Tank provided a valuable platform for exchanging views on global and regional challenges, with emphasis on the importance of the India–Colombia partnership in shaping a multipolar world.

Advancing the India–Colombia Partnership

Secretary Kumaran’s visit reaffirmed that Colombia is an important partner for India in Latin America, aligned with India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies extending towards Latin America. The visit strengthened the shared commitment of India and Colombia to deepen cooperation across political, cultural, digital, and economic dimensions, paving the way for a stronger bilateral partnership in the years ahead.