Panama and India formalized five new cooperation agreements this Tuesday, November 18, 2025, launching a series of rapid impact projects. The signing ceremony took place at the Paz Hall in the Palacio de Las Garzas, advancing initiatives funded by a grant assistance framework both nations agreed upon last February. These projects target immediate improvements in community infrastructure, education, and technology.
Key Panamanian officials, including Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac and National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation Eduardo Ortega Barría, participated in the event. Indian Ambassador to Panama Sumit Seth represented his government. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha and First Lady of the Republic Maricel Cohen de Mulino attended as honorary witnesses to the signings.
Focus on Community and Food Security
The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding documents will facilitate Indian investment in projects designed to benefit vulnerable communities. Two schools in the San Miguelito district will receive support for a comprehensive Community Sustainability and Food Security Plan. First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino emphasized the profound social impact of these agreements.
This is about more than just fixing a kitchen, it is about better organizing and managing food to avoid waste, especially when there are needs in many places, so that children can receive good nutrition, [Translated from Spanish] Cohen de Mulino stated. The benefits of these agreements will impact two schools in San Miguelito, not only in the food process but in how we unite the community, the teachers, the mothers, in doing all the work so that children are better nourished and food is not lost. [Translated from Spanish]
She specifically thanked the Indian government for its support. The initiative aims to transform the schools and their surrounding neighborhoods into self-sufficient, sustainable environments.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Sumit Seth expressed his honor in finalizing the agreements, which seek to directly improve the daily lives of Panamanians in health, education, technology, and infrastructure sectors. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.
I am very happy and it is a great honor to sign these agreements with the Government of Panama. Long live Panama, long live India, and long live the friendship, [Translated from Spanish] Ambassador Seth declared during the ceremony.
He outlined a multi-faceted strategy for bringing Panama and India closer. This approach is rooted in cultural exchanges and a strong desire to increase trade, business, and investment in Panama. The ambassador also highlighted his country’s interest in sharing advanced technology and boosting tourism in both directions.
Panama has become a popular honeymoon destination for Indian couples. Seth expressed hope that more Panamanians would also visit India. He announced an increase in Indian government scholarships for Panamanian students, raising the number from 25 to 30 this year with an aspirational goal of 50 to 100 scholarships for talented Panamanian youth.
Specific Infrastructure and Technology Projects
Minister Juan Carlos Orillac signed four of the five memoranda. These cover concrete infrastructure and food security projects set for immediate execution with Indian financial backing. The first project involves channeling the Santa Rita stream in the Antón district of Coclé province. This work will stabilize the riverbed to significantly reduce flood risks for the local community.
A second project in the same Santa Rita corregimiento entails the construction of a small vehicle bridge. The third and fourth projects implement the food sustainability plans at the Amelia Denis de Icaza School and the Samaria Sinai General Basic Education Center, both located in San Miguelito.
National Science Secretary Eduardo Ortega Barría signed the fifth memorandum. This agreement focuses on developing an artificial intelligence and data science initiative. The project will create a network of nine experimentation stations distributed across the eight existing Clubhouse Corners locations in Panama, plus one additional mobile unit.
This technological initiative aims to promote active, hands-on learning for Panamanian youth. It will foster the development of interdisciplinary solutions to local problems. The program is designed to prepare young people for a technological future while emphasizing the social and ethical impact of their work.