The Indian spice Board visited the cardamom plantations of Guatemala. Has there been any economic development on that front?
In fact, the visit was called off, I understand because of political considerations in the cardamom producing areas in India. It was a knee-jerk reaction. I keep saying that we can cooperate, and not compete. You are the second largest cardamom producing country, we are the largest. But our cardamom is different to yours. There can be complementarities that can be worked on.

Several Indian export councils have been visiting Guatemala on a regular basis. Please let us know of the major developments that have taken place as a result of these visits.
Yes, textile and pharma councils have been there. It is positive, and good for developing bilateral commerce. Your previous and current ambassadors are promoting them. This is very positive.

Indian food has a presence worldwide. How is it in the case of Guatemala?
I think there is one such restaurant, but I haven’t been there. I’m curious, though, to try it. To see if the paneer and daal are like what it is in India. Indian food is tasty with spices. In fact it is a niche that can grow. There is scope for more Indian restaurants.