The diplomatic relationship between India and Chile is poised to reach new heights as Chile’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren, begins a pivotal visit to India from August 27 to 31, 2024. This visit signifies Chile’s commitment to deepening its partnership with one of Asia’s economic powerhouses and highlights a shared vision for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors. Central to this visit are the 2nd India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and the Chile-India Business Summit, both pivotal events aimed at reshaping the bilateral ties between these two vibrant democracies.
The 2nd India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting: Strategic Conversations for Future Collaboration
Scheduled for August 28, 2024, the 2nd India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) will be co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and his Chilean counterpart, Alberto van Klaveren. This meeting marks a critical moment for both nations to assess the progress in their bilateral relations and to strategize on future collaborations.
The agenda is expected to cover a wide array of topics, including trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in emerging areas such as technology and innovation. The JCM is not just a diplomatic formality; it is a platform for both nations to align their goals, address challenges, and explore new opportunities that could shape the future of their partnership.
The Chile-India Business Summit: A Focus on Agricultural Innovation and Economic Synergy
Running parallel to the JCM, the Chile-India Business Summit will take place on August 28, 2024, with a strong focus on agricultural innovation, trade, and investment. The summit will be attended by high-level delegates, including Chile’s Agriculture Minister, Esteban Valenzuela, and other key figures from both the public and private sectors.
The Delegation
The Chilean delegation will be headed by Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren; the Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela. Also will include the General Director of ProChile, the Chile-India Business Council, the Chilean Image Foundation, the National Agricultural Society, the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. There are representatives of the Chilean Pacific Foundation and the Association of Film and Television Producers, among other unions and organizations.
Agricultural Exports
Chile’s agricultural exports to India have been on an upward trajectory, with a remarkable 53 percent growth in exports (excluding copper and lithium) from January to July 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This surge, driven by exports of fruits, manufactured goods, and mineral products, underscores the increasing importance of the Indian market to Chilean businesses. The summit will provide a platform for both countries to discuss ways to sustain and expand this momentum, ensuring mutual benefits.
Additionally, the summit will feature panels on innovation, joint trade challenges, and opportunities for collaboration in the food industry. The event will culminate with a visit to the Khari Baoli market, one of the largest wholesale markets for dried fruits in Asia, symbolizing the robust trade ties between the two nations.
Cultural and Economic Diplomacy in Mumbai
As the Chilean delegation moves to Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, on August 29 and 30, the focus will shift towards cultural and economic diplomacy. Mumbai, home to Bollywood and a hub for global business, provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on expanding Chile-India collaboration in the entertainment and technology sectors.
Among the key activities will be a visit to the ANUGA fair, where Chilean and Indian businesses can explore opportunities for trade and partnership. A highlight of the Mumbai leg will be a panel discussion titled “Shooting in Chile,” showcasing Chile as a potential destination for Indian film productions, furthering the cultural exchange between the two nations.
Why India? The Strategic Importance of this Partnership
India’s growing economic clout and its strategic location make it an invaluable partner for Chile. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $2.847 billion, with Chile ranking 16th as a destination for India’s non-copper and non-lithium exports. The expansion of the Partial Scope Agreement (PSA) in 2017, which now includes 1,110 Chilean products, has been a cornerstone of this economic relationship.
This visit, with its packed agenda, is not merely about celebrating past achievements; it is about laying the groundwork for a future that sees Chile and India working closely across various domains—from trade and technology to culture and education. The outcome of these meetings and summits will likely set the tone for the next phase of this vibrant partnership, ensuring that both nations continue to thrive together on the global stage.