Ambassador, let me begin with your family. Yours is one of Uruguay’s most distinguished diplomatic lineages. Your grandfather was an eminent diplomat, Foreign Minister and later Vice President of Uruguay, your father also served in the diplomatic corps, and today you represent the third generation. Tell us about that remarkable legacy and how it influenced your own decision to join diplomacy.

My family’s story began with my grandfather, whose parents were among the early Italian immigrants to Uruguay. He studied law at the University of Uruguay before embarking on an extraordinary diplomatic career that took him to Vienna, Brussels, Paris, Geneva and London. He later became Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, served as Vice President of the Republic and concluded his public career as Ambassador to France.

My father also joined the Foreign Service, serving in Italy, Romania, Bolivia and Paraguay. Although I initially studied architecture, I eventually turned to law, joined Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985 and have had the privilege of representing my country for nearly four decades.

Uruguay enjoys a well-earned reputation for political stability, strong democratic institutions and a business-friendly environment. What, in your view, makes Uruguay particularly attractive for Indian investors looking towards Latin America?

Stability is Uruguay’s greatest strength. Investors know that the rule of law is respected, investments are protected and business can be conducted in a transparent and predictable environment. They also enjoy the freedom to repatriate their returns, while our resilient banking system has maintained confidence even during periods of regional economic uncertainty.

The experience of Tata Consultancy Services illustrates what Uruguay offers. After establishing operations nearly twenty-five years ago, Tata successfully expanded into the wider South American market from Uruguay. It demonstrates that our country is not only a secure investment destination but also an ideal gateway to the region.

The opening of India’s Embassy in Montevideo marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Many observers had long felt such a mission was overdue. How do you see this transforming relations between our two countries?

We are delighted by India’s decision to establish an Embassy in Montevideo. We see it as an important milestone that will strengthen India’s presence in South America and open a new chapter in our bilateral relationship.

We understand that External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar is expected to inaugurate the Embassy, and we hope it will usher in more frequent high-level exchanges. The last major political visit from India was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1968.