What happened?
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font will visit India from April 1 to 6, 2025, to strengthen bilateral cooperation. During the visit, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, focusing on space, technology, and critical minerals cooperation. He will also travel to Mumbai to promote investment ties and Bengaluru to explore technology collaboration. The visit follows the two leaders’ first in-person meeting at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. Both sides will review the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and discuss its expansion into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Why it matters to India
Chile’s visit is strategically important for India’s energy transition and technology ambitions. As a major global supplier of lithium and copper—essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage—Chile is a key partner in India’s green energy plans. Strengthened trade ties with Chile will also enhance India’s access to critical minerals, reducing its dependence on China and other dominant suppliers. Furthermore, expanding the PTA into a CEPA could boost bilateral trade beyond the current $2.7 billion mark, offering India greater market access in Latin America. Chile’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adds diplomatic value to the relationship.