Uruguay's Ambassador to India, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, has warned that the United States' stated aspiration to control Greenland could create "big problems" within NATO, the European Union and the broader international community, even as he underlined Uruguay's strong support for multilateralism and closer ties with India.
Speaking to IANS, Amarilla said Washington's expressions of influence over other countries could potentially alter the existing world order. Responding to US President Donald Trump's remarks that the United States needs Greenland for national security, the Uruguayan envoy said that while nations may cite security concerns, such ambitions could seriously strain relations within NATO, since Denmark — which controls Greenland — is itself a member of the alliance. "It would probably create a big problem among them," he said, adding that the move could also impact ties with the European Union and the rest of the world.
Trump has reiterated that Greenland's strategic location makes it vital for US and allied security, following discussions between American and Danish officials at the White House. However, Amarilla cautioned that such moves risk increasing tensions among allies.
Commenting on broader US foreign policy actions, including its stance towards Venezuela and Colombia, the envoy said Uruguay does not support interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations and believes such matters should be resolved domestically. He also described the situation in Iran as "very worrying," condemning violence as a means of resolving political issues and calling for peaceful solutions.
On immigration, Amarilla said Uruguay disagrees with the US decision to freeze new immigrant visas for several countries, stressing his country's belief in the free movement of people.
Separately, the Uruguayan Ambassador welcomed strengthening bilateral ties with India, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very influential leader" who has consistently raised the concerns of the Global South on the world stage. He welcomed India's plan to open an Embassy in Montevideo later this year, calling it a significant milestone in the 75-year-old relationship between the two countries.
Amarilla also expressed Uruguay's support for India's bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, while reiterating his country's opposition to the veto system. He added that Uruguay is considering visa relaxation for Indian travellers and said the issue could be discussed during political consultations scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this year.
(With inputs from IANS)
