In a bid to strengthen India-Chile ties, PM Modi and Chile’s President Gabriel Boric Font have said that the two countries will work intensively on a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Speaking at an interaction after meeting President Boric at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday (April 1), PM Modi said, “Today we have instructed our teams to begin discussions on a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.” He also said that there will be an emphasis on the partnership in Critical Minerals, besides working to establish resilient supply and value chains.
He said that Chile is an “important friend and partner” for India in Latin America, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including Antarctica exploration, health security, trade, and strategic partnerships.
Elaborating on the discussion between the leaders, PM Modi said that India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in the arenas of Digital Public Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Railways, Space, and more. Further, the two nations will cooperate to ensure food security by leveraging each other’s capabilities in the agriculture sector, PM Modi added.
‘Gateway to Antarctica’
In a step that is likely to provide an impetus to India’s Antarctica expedition, PM Modi and President Boric also signed a Letter of Intent. Chile is seen as the “Gateway to Antarctica”, said PM Modi. Besides its geographic proximity to the White Continent, Chile has developed key cities like Punta Arenas, which serve as major departure points for expeditions and scientific research trips to the continent.
Speaking of furthering India’s Antarctic mission with Chile’s cooperation, PM Modi said, “We welcome the agreement reached today on the Letter of Intent between the two sides to enhance cooperation in this important area.”
President Boric is on a five-day state visit to India from April 1 to April 5, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and cultural figures from Chile. The trip is focused on strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.
