New Delhi/Santiago, Chile : Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held discussions with Paula Estévez Weinstein, Vice-Minister of International Economic Relations of Chile, in Santiago to advance negotiations on the proposed India–Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
During the meeting, India reaffirmed its commitment to an open, sustained and balanced negotiating approach, with the objective of creating meaningful and commercially viable opportunities for businesses and people in both countries.
Both sides highlighted the growing strength of the India–Chile economic relationship and emphasised the need to ensure that the CEPA converts their shared objectives into concrete opportunities for businesses on both sides. As fellow members of the Global South, India and Chile also see common strategic interests as an important foundation for expanding economic cooperation.
Rajesh Agrawal underlined the significant potential for deeper bilateral engagement in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, minerals, agriculture, machinery and engineering. A successful conclusion of the CEPA negotiations is expected to provide fresh momentum to trade and investment between the two countries.
India has expressed its commitment to concluding the CEPA negotiations within 2026, while seeking a framework that is balanced, mutually beneficial and delivers equitable and commercially meaningful outcomes for both sides.
The proposed agreement is expected to create new avenues for trade and investment while encouraging greater cooperation in technology, talent development and resilient supply chains.
The India–Chile CEPA could mark an important new phase in bilateral economic relations, providing a stronger framework for expanding trade, attracting investment and building long-term economic partnerships between the two Global South economies.