PM Modi Strengthens India-Chile Ties: Focus on Trade and Antarctica Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font discussed enhancing bilateral relations, focusing on trade, health security, and cooperation in Antarctica. Both leaders expressed commitments to cultural exchanges and addressing global challenges through dialogue, culminating in multiple signed agreements for future collaboration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and reaffirmed the importance of Chile as a key partner for India in Latin America. The discussions emphasized collaboration in several sectors, including trade, health security, and Antarctica exploration. Both leaders are committed to enhancing mutual ties and exploring untapped opportunities for cooperation.

PM Modi welcomed the Chilean delegation during a joint press conference, underscoring the significance of strengthening bilateral relations. He stated that the nations have identified new initiatives to foster cooperation over the next decade, which includes initiating discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement aimed at boosting trade.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration in critical minerals and agricultural cooperation for ensuring food security. Additionally, India expressed its willingness to share expertise in areas such as digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, and space technology with Chile, which also serves as a strategic gateway to Antarctica.

India’s role in fortifying Chile’s health security was acknowledged, with PM Modi and President Boric expressing a commitment to deepen this partnership. Moreover, PM Modi praised Chile’s decision to declare November 4 as National Yoga Day, reflecting the cultural ties between the two nations.

Both leaders conversed about potential reforms within the United Nations Security Council and emphasized the necessity for dialogue over disputes. They recognized the geographical parallels and cultural connections, citing shared literary inspirations between India and Chile, further cementing their relationship.

PM Modi commended the Indian diaspora in Chile, which comprises nearly 4,000 individuals, acknowledging their role as custodians of shared heritage. He expressed gratitude for Chile’s support of this community and announced agreements on cultural exchange and simplified visa processes to promote student exchanges.

The optimism surrounding President Boric’s visit to India may invigorate the bilateral relations between the two nations. In his response, President Boric expressed his commitment to consolidating the seven-decade relationship with India while focusing on commercial ties and addressing climate change through critical mineral cooperation.

Highlighting cultural collaborations, President Boric mentioned the ‘Shoot in Chile’ initiative aimed at integrating Bollywood into Chile’s film industry. He also invited PM Modi to engage in Antarctic research, emphasizing its strategic significance to Chile, and mentioned the signed cooperation agreements covering various areas, including disaster management and cultural exchange.

The visit concluded with the exchange of multiple Memoranda of Understanding, signaling a commitment to deeper engagement between India and Chile. President Boric appreciated PM Modi’s leadership in fostering South-South cooperation, indicating a strong future for bilateral engagements.

In summary, the meeting between PM Modi and President Boric has reinforced and expanded the bilateral ties between India and Chile. With a focus on trade, health cooperation, cultural exchange, and Antarctica exploration, both nations are poised to strengthen their partnership. The discussions highlighted the importance of mutual benefits in addressing global challenges and enhancing cultural ties. The signed agreements mark a promising path towards deeper collaboration.

Original Source: www.thehansindia.com