NEW DELHI, April 1: India and Chile exchanged agreements today for cooperation in disaster management and cultural exchange, further strengthening their bilateral ties. Both nations also exchanged Letters of Intent on cooperation in Antarctica. The agreements were announced following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font in New Delhi, where they reviewed the full spectrum of India-Chile relations. Prime Minister Modi also hosted a lunch in honor of the visiting dignitary.
During his press statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Chile is an important friend and partner for India in Latin America, describing it as India’s gateway to Antarctica. He highlighted the new initiatives identified during discussions to enhance cooperation over the next decade. Both leaders have instructed their teams to initiate talks on a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The Prime Minister also underscored the strengthening of partnerships in critical minerals and the establishment of resilient supply and value chains. Additionally, both nations have committed to cooperation in food security, leveraging their respective strengths in the agriculture sector.
Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s readiness to share its positive experiences with Chile in various sectors, including digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, space, and other industries. He welcomed the agreement on the Letter of Intent between the two nations to boost cooperation in Antarctic exploration. He also acknowledged the widespread adoption of Yoga in Chile, stating that the country’s decision to declare November 4th as National Yoga Day is an inspiring move. Furthermore, both sides discussed increasing collaboration in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Chile.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font highlighted discussions on health and Chile’s aspirations to become a trusted partner for sustainable technology and innovation. He noted that Chile’s reputation as a serious and respected country internationally makes it an attractive destination for investment. The President also emphasized the cultural exchange aspect of the visit, particularly the collaboration on bringing India’s audiovisual and film industry to Chile through the ‘Shoot in Chile’ program. He acknowledged India’s significant impact in global cinema through Bollywood and expressed interest in furthering collaboration in this domain.
Regarding Antarctica, President Boric emphasized its strategic importance to Chile and reiterated Chile’s role as a gateway to the region. He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Antarctica, highlighting the agreement signed between the two nations to collaborate on Antarctic exploration.
Earlier in the day, President Boric paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He also met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who appreciated the Chilean President’s commitment to strengthening India-Chile ties. Dr. Jaishankar expressed confidence that President Boric’s discussions with Prime Minister Modi would lead to new partnerships and enhanced bilateral engagement. Later in the evening, the Chilean President is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she will host a banquet in his honor.
President Boric arrived in New Delhi today for a five-day visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, members of parliament, business associations, and prominent Chileans engaged in cultural exchanges with India. This marks his first visit to India as President. During his stay, President Boric will also visit Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where he will engage with political leaders, business representatives, startups, innovators, and technology leaders before returning to Chile on April 5th.
