New Delhi – In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, India and Chile today exchanged several agreements, including cooperation in disaster management and cultural exchange. The two nations also exchanged Letters of Intent on cooperation related to Antarctica, marking a new phase in their strategic partnership. These agreements were discussed during a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font in New Delhi.
The meeting, which covered the full spectrum of India-Chile relations, saw both leaders exploring new avenues for cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding ties over the coming decade. Prime Minister Modi, in his press statement, emphasized the importance of Chile as a key partner for India in Latin America, noting that India sees Chile as the “gateway to Antarctica.”
“Chile is an important friend and partner for India in Latin America,” said Prime Minister Modi, adding that both leaders had instructed their teams to begin discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further strengthen their economic ties. Modi also highlighted the strengthening of the partnership in critical minerals and efforts to establish resilient supply chains, particularly in sectors that impact both nations’ economies.
A significant area of collaboration identified during the talks was food security, with both leaders agreeing to leverage each other’s capabilities in the agricultural sector to enhance cooperation. The Prime Minister also expressed India’s readiness to share its experiences with Chile in areas such as digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, and space, which have seen remarkable progress in India in recent years.
Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Chile for adopting Yoga as part of its healthy lifestyle, noting that the declaration of 4th November as National Yoga Day in Chile was an inspiring move. He further emphasized the shared potential between the two nations to explore Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
President Boric, who arrived in New Delhi with a high-level delegation, reflected on the growing relationship between the two countries, focusing on health and sustainable technology. He noted that Chile aims to position itself as a trusted partner for sustainable innovation and highlighted the importance of increasing bilateral cooperation in this domain. “There are many linkages and potential to develop with India,” Boric said.
One of the major cultural initiatives discussed was the collaboration in the audiovisual industry. President Boric shared that both countries are working together to bring India’s prominent Bollywood presence to Chile through the ‘Shoot in Chile’ program. This is seen as a vital move to promote cultural exchange and further strengthen ties between the two nations.
Another key topic of discussion was Antarctica, a region of critical importance to Chile. President Boric emphasized that Chile considers Antarctica one of its top priorities, and the country serves as a gateway to the continent. He invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Antarctica, and the two sides signed a cooperation deal to explore various collaborative efforts related to the region’s exploration and research.
Earlier in the day, President Boric paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, New Delhi, reflecting on the significance of his visit to India. Chile’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also met with President Boric, expressing appreciation for the Chilean leader’s efforts to deepen India-Chile cooperation. Dr. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Boric would pave the way for new partnerships and enhanced bilateral engagement.
As part of his five-day visit, President Boric will meet with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening, where a special banquet will be hosted in his honor. The visit marks President Boric’s first official trip to India since assuming office, and it is expected to open new avenues for trade, investment, and cultural collaboration between the two nations.
President Boric’s delegation includes Ministers, Members of Parliament, business leaders, and cultural representatives who have been actively involved in strengthening the India-Chile relationship. The Chilean President is also scheduled to visit Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where he will engage with political leadership, business representatives, startups, innovators, and tech leaders. The visit concludes on 5th April, with discussions set to focus on expanding cooperation in sectors such as technology and business.
The growing relationship between India and Chile is a testament to their shared values, mutual respect, and the commitment to building a future of collaboration and prosperity for both nations.
