New Delhi, May 27 (Reporter) China will be watching keenly when the President of Paraguay Santiago Peña Palacios, who has continued with his country’s pro-Taiwan stance, comes on a three-day State Visit to India from June 2-4. President Pena will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and business representatives, and will also visit Mumbai. President Peña, a 46-year-old economist and former finance minister, has resisted Beijing’s overtures and warnings, to continue with his country’s pro-Taiwan stance. In his August 2023 inauguration, the presence of Taiwan’s Vice President Lai, who is also now Taiwan’s President -- signalled Paraguay’s continued commitment to the island nation. In his inauguration speech, President Pena had stressed that Paraguay and Taiwan are “not just allies, but also brothers”. He has also spoken in favour of Taiwan joining the United Nations system. In December last year, Paraguay kicked out a Chinese envoy for allegedly interfering in its domestic affairs and urging the South American nation to break off ties and long friendship with Taiwan. The Chinese diplomat was given 24 hours to leave the country. Paraguay has said it is open to establishing trade and other relations with China as long as it will not have to break off its ties with Taiwan. The State Visit of President Peña will be his first visit to India and only the second visit by a President of Paraguay. During the visit, President Peña would hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on June 2 and review the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to host lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet President Peña, and host a banquet in his honour, a statement said. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and External Affairs Minister S. Jainshankar are expected to call on the visiting President of Paraguay. India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, cultivating warm and friendly ties between the two nations. Both countries have since developed cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals and information technology. Paraguay is an important trading partner for India in the Latin American region. Several Indian companies in the auto-mobile and pharmaceuticals sector have their presence in Paraguay and some Paraguayan companies, mainly through Joint Venture entities, are present in India, thereby contributing to the economic ties between the two nations. The two countries share common views on various international issues, including UN reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and combating terrorism. In Mumbai, President Peña will meet the state political leadership, business and industry representatives, startups, innovators and tech leaders. The forthcoming State Visit of President Peña will provide an opportunity for the leaders to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, as well as to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest...////...