As of April 2025, India and Chile have several agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) covering various fields . Furthermore, they have agreed to start negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) .
Key agreements and areas of cooperation:
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): India and Chile have agreed to begin negotiations for a mutually beneficial CEPA . This agreement aims to expand trade and investment between the two countries, building upon a previous Preferential Trade Agreement .
- Mining and Minerals: An ‘Agreement for Cooperation and Exchange of Information’ exists between the National Copper Corporation of Chile (CODELCO) and Hindustan Copper Limited . This agreement facilitates joint activities, including strategic partnerships for exploration of mining properties and mineral beneficiation .
- Antarctica Cooperation: There is a letter of intent to deepen bilateral cooperation in exploring Antarctica . India considers Chile as a gateway to Antarctica .
- Science and Technology: Agreements/MoUs exist in the field of Science and Technology .
- Defense: There is a formal defense cooperation agreement to share knowledge and explore opportunities for defence industrial manufacturing and supply chains .
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Both sides are working to enhance cooperation in these sectors, addressing market access issues for Indian pharmaceuticals .
- Cultural Exchange: There are agreements for cooperation in cultural exchanges .
- Disaster Management: Agreements exist for cooperation in disaster management .
- Air Services: Agreements/MoUs exist in the field of Air Services .
- Chile govt decided to celebrate National Yoga diwas on 4th November each year
Earlier relation with Chile :
India and Chile share warm and friendly relations and have agreed to begin negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand trade and investment . Chile was among the first countries to recognize India’s independence .
Key Points of India-Chile Relations:
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): India and Chile have initiated discussions for a mutually beneficial CEPA, building upon a Preferential Trade Agreement from May 2017 . The aim is to deepen ties in trade, science, technology, and critical minerals .
- Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade between India and Chile was valued at $2.6 billion in 2022-23, with India’s exports at $1.16 billion . There is untapped potential for more cooperation in this area .
- Cooperation Areas:
- Critical Minerals: Both countries will collaborate on exploration, processing, and R&D of critical minerals, aiming to build resilient supply and value chains .
- Digital Infrastructure: India is ready to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure with Chile .
- Renewable Energy: Cooperation in renewable energy is another key area .
- Defense: Both sides will explore substantial areas for bilateral defense cooperation, including capacity building and defense industrial collaboration .
- Antarctica: India sees Chile as a gateway to Antarctica and welcomes cooperation in this region .
- Healthcare: Both countries seek to increase trade in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices .
- Cultural Exchange: There are agreements for cooperation in cultural exchanges, with Chile declaring November 4 as National Yoga Day .
- Multilateral Forums: Both countries cooperate extensively in multilateral forums and share similar views on climate change, renewable energy, and reforms of the UN Security Council (UNSC) .
- Global Issues: India and Chile agree that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through dialogue and support the reform of the UN Security Council .
In summary, India and Chile are strengthening their relationship through increased cooperation in trade, investment, and various strategic sectors, with a focus on mutual benefits and global partnerships .
