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India & Chile Forge Stronger Economic Ties: CEPA Negotiations Underway!
India and Chile have officially kicked off negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming for deeper economic ties, enhanced trade, and stronger global value chains. The first round concluded successfully, with the next scheduled for July/August 2025.
The economic partnership between India and Chile is set to reach new heights! In a significant move towards deeper collaboration, both nations have officially begun negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This ambitious agreement promises to unlock immense potential in trade, boost employment, and drive economic growth for both countries.
The journey towards this crucial agreement gained momentum during the State Visit of Chilean President H.E. Gabriel Boric Font to India in April 2025. During his meeting with Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President Boric emphasized India's status as a priority partner for Chile in the global economy and highlighted the urgent need to diversify and enhance trade. Both leaders enthusiastically welcomed the initiation of these negotiations, envisioning a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial CEPA.
The groundwork for these talks was laid on May 8th, 2025, when the Terms of Reference for the CEPA negotiations were officially signed. This paved the way for the first round of discussions, which commenced on May 26th, 2025. The opening ceremony, inaugurated by India's Commerce Secretary, Shri Sunil Barthwal, in the esteemed presence of the Ambassador of Chile to India, H.E. Juan Angulo, marked a historic moment.
During the inauguration, Shri Barthwal underscored the agreement's potential to pave the way for a truly deeper economic partnership and the creation of robust global value chains between India and Chile. Imagine the possibilities for businesses and consumers alike!
The negotiating teams are certainly not shy about tackling complex issues. The Chilean delegation, a strong team of 17 delegates, was expertly led by Chief Negotiator Mr. Pablo Urria, Director for Asia & Oceanic at the Secretariat of International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. On the Indian side, Chief Negotiator Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, headed the discussions.
Over the course of the first round, intense discussions were held across an impressive 17 thematic tracks. These covered a broad spectrum, including:
- Trade in Goods
- Trade in Services
- Movement of Natural Persons
- Rules of Origin
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
- Technical Barriers to Trade
- Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation
- Initial Provisions and General Definitions
- Core and Institutional Provisions
- Final Provisions
- Transparency
- Dispute Settlement
- Economic Cooperation
- MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
- Women’s Economic Empowerment
- Critical and Strategic Minerals Trade & Sustainable Development
- Global Value Chains
- Investment Promotion & Cooperation
- Intellectual Property Rights
It's clear that both nations are committed to a truly comprehensive agreement!
Looking ahead, the next round of negotiations is anticipated in July or August 2025. To ensure maximum productivity, this crucial meeting will be preceded by intersessional discussions held virtually, allowing both sides to address outstanding issues well in advance.
This CEPA is more than just a trade agreement; it's a strategic move to unlock the full potential of the commercial relationship between India and Chile. The aim is clear: boost employment, significantly increase bilateral trade, and foster robust economic growth. The ongoing negotiations will be shaped by valuable stakeholder consultations and industry feedback, ensuring a gainful and explorative approach for a truly successful and meaningful outcome.
Stay tuned for more updates as India and Chile work towards a future of enhanced economic collaboration!
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