Ambassador Omar Lisandro Castañeda Solari, a career diplomat with nearly two decades of experience, has been living in Delhi for nearly three years. He loves the multi-faceted city because he also wears many hats — he is a professional radio broadcaster and also enjoys water sports, swimming and cultural activities.
He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala on April 18, 2005. In the past two decades, he has served his country in various positions such as Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations in New York from 2009-2015 and Deputy Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations from 2016-2022.
He was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guatemala to India in December 2022. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Complutense University in Spain and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala. Speaks, writes and understands Spanish and English. He speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with ambassadors about Delhi – their home. Excerpts:
What’s the one place in town that you like to visit the most?
I have been in Delhi for almost three years. It is difficult to mention just one place. I love visiting the heritage sites that the city has to offer, especially Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun’s Tomb as I am interested in history and archeology. I would love to be at the Gandhi Smriti Museum. I would also like to invite friends, family and colleagues to visit their venue in Delhi. The history of that place is amazing.
What are the three things that stood out during your stay in Delhi?
There are definitely more than three… But being in Delhi, I would say that I love the vibrant culture and traditions of India’s capital. Secondly, the traditional markets, and thirdly, the hospitality and warmth of the people of India.
Favorite food in town?
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I think Indian food is delicious, especially chicken biryani, mutton biryani, chicken tikka, paneer and masala dosa! I love Indian desserts, especially the creamy kulfi and carrot halwa. Needless to say, I love Assam and Darjeeling tea, which are very good for digestion. I love going for dinner at the restaurants in Bikaner House and others in Old Delhi.
Are there any special Delhi-related memories or encounters that will always stay with you?
Sure, there are many. The most important of which are the meeting with Dr. S. Jaishankar and the third external consultation mechanism between India and Guatemala in November 2023, which strengthened our bilateral relations. I am very happy that with my embassy colleagues we celebrated some important cultural fairs such as Holy Week in Guatemala and National Independence Day in September, which showcased Guatemala’s Maya heritage as the heart of the Maya world.
On other matters, before serving in India, I was working at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations in New York and many of my former colleagues in New York are also ambassadors to India, and those meetings with them here in Delhi were wonderful.
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I must say that I also greatly admire scholars and academics interested in Latin America, and especially in my country, Guatemala. The level of knowledge of Guatemalan literature and especially Miguel Angel Asturias, the Nobel laureate in Guatemalan literature who visited India in 1956-57, is remarkable.
The meetings with the Spanish and Spanish Masters Associations in Delhi have been one of the most interesting and useful experiences that I will cherish.
What will you miss about Delhi when you bid farewell to the city?
Many things…but in general – the kindness and hospitality of people in Delhi.
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If you had to introduce Delhi to someone back home, how would you do it?
That’s a good question! Delhi has been a welcoming city for me and I am sure it is an unforgettable experience one needs to have. It combines history, modernity and tradition, making it unique for the visitor, as well as a unique sense of hospitality.
How is Delhi different from other places you have worked?
I’ve served in New York before. I would say there is less traffic in New York compared to Delhi, but both cities have a lot of traffic. On the other hand, New Delhi’s metro system is one of the best I’ve seen compared to other cities.
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Are there any suggestions you would like to make to officials to improve the city?
I will suggest finding ways to reduce traffic congestion and encourage people to use the subway system and other alternatives. This will definitely help in improving the air quality in Delhi and its surrounding areas. Regarding other matters, I will recommend that officials in Delhi create an area that could be a park or a square dedicated to friendship between India and Latin American and Caribbean countries. This area will certainly enhance the good relations that India has with all countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, including my country, Guatemala.
Does pollution in Delhi bother you? How do you and your family deal with him?
Well, it bothered me more in the past, but in recent years, both at my home and at my embassy, we have air purifiers. However, I believe that more efforts can be made to reduce pollution through better practices, such as avoiding burning agricultural waste, and reducing vehicle emissions and construction dust.
(tags for translation) Delhi News
