As India and Chile agreed to start negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement after a bilateral meeting with the visiting President of Chile Gabriel Boric Font, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Chile as the “gateway to Antarctica”.
“Today we have instructed our teams to begin discussions on a mutually beneficial comprehensive economic partnership agreement,” Modi said, adding that the India-Chile partnership will be strengthened in the field of critical minerals and work will be done to establish resilient supply and value chains.
In the field of agriculture, cooperation will be done to ensure food security by combining each other’s capabilities, he said.
“The growing cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of our deep mutual trust. We will move forward to create defence industrial manufacturing and supply chains in this area according to each other’s needs,” Modi said. “We will increase cooperation between the agencies of both the countries to face common challenges like organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism,” he said.
Describing Chile as an important partner of India in Latin America, Modi said: “India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in Digital Public Infrastructure,
Renewable Energy, Railways, Space and other areas.”
PM Modi said they also signed a letter of Intent as Chile is seen as the “Gateway to Antarctica”. “We welcome the agreement reached today on the Letter of Intent between the two sides to enhance cooperation in this important area,” he said. Chile is considered a gateway to Antarctica primarily due to its geographic proximity and the presence of key cities like Punta Arenas, which serve as major departure points for expeditions and scientific research trips to the continent.
Reflecting on the ongoing and growing relationship between India and Chile, the Chilean President said, “Today, we have come to consolidate the seven decades of our relation with India which are based on the earlier visits with Chile. I have the honour of being the third president to visit India after 16 years.”
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PM Modi said that in the discussions, the two leaders identified untapped potential in the field of investment. “In today’s discussions, we identified several new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the coming decade. We welcome the growth in mutual trade and investment. We agree that there is also untapped potential for more cooperation in this,” he said.
PM Modi said that the two countries will combine in the agricultural sector, and that India will share its experience in several other sectors. “Cooperation will be done to ensure food security by combining each other’s capabilities in the field of agriculture. India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, space and other areas,” he said.
“On the global front, India and Chile agree that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through dialogue. We agree that reforms in the United Nations Security Council and other institutions are necessary to face global challenges. Together, we will continue to contribute to global peace and stability,” he said.
PM Modi added that the growing influence of Indian films in Chile underscore the acceptance of cultural diversity between both the nations.
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The Indian side expressed its desire to receive and train Chilean military in areas of mutual interests, the joint statement said.