Gabriel Boric Font, the youngest president in Chile’s history, is scheduled to visit India next month. His two-day visit, set for April 1-2, 2025, will include a high-level delegation, with a strong focus on diversifying and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Previous visits
Chilean President Ricardo Lagos Escobar was the first leader of the South American nation to visit India in 2007, President Dr Michelle Bachelet had visited March 2009. The visit of President Boric comes after a gap of fifteen years.
Expected Agenda
Sources informed FinancialExpress.com that discussions between President Boric and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on key areas such as trade, technology, energy, and healthcare, in addition to the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The CEPA, which is expected to enhance trade and investment, remains a cornerstone of the bilateral dialogue.
FinancialExpress.com last November had reported about Prime Minister Modi meeting President Boric during the 2024 G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. At that time, Modi stressed the growing cooperation between India and Chile, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and space exploration. The rising popularity of Ayurveda in Chile was also highlighted as an area for potential cultural and health-related exchanges.
Lithium, Copper, and Beyond
A major area of discussion will likely be the critical role of lithium. As one of the world’s leading producers of lithium, Chile plays a key role in India’s transition to green energy, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) production and renewable energy infrastructure. Both nations are expected to explore opportunities to develop and secure lithium resources, crucial for battery manufacturing and the expansion of sustainable technologies.
Copper will also be a significant topic. As the largest producer of copper globally, Chile holds the potential to help meet India’s increasing demand for the metal, driven by the country’s growing infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Both leaders are expected to explore the potential for trade and investment in this area.
India’s pharmaceutical sector, known globally for its affordable and high-quality medicines, is keen to deepen engagement with Chile. Joint research and development initiatives, especially in areas such as healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, could be a key aspect of the collaboration. Furthermore, India’s expertise in information technology (IT), software services, and digital infrastructure presents opportunities for Chile’s expanding digital economy. The two nations are likely to explore avenues for cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other technological fields.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy will also feature prominently in the talks. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy development, and Chile has become a leader in solar and wind power. The two countries are expected to share knowledge and best practices, potentially initiating joint clean energy projects that would support their climate goals.
Agriculture: A Growing Sector of Cooperation
Agriculture remains an important sector for both India and Chile. Chile, known for its exports of fruit, wine, and nuts, sees India as a promising market for these products. Meanwhile, India is exploring opportunities to increase its exports of commodities such as basmati rice, mangoes, and bananas to Chile. Both nations are working to streamline regulatory frameworks and address trade barriers to facilitate smoother agricultural exchanges.
Business Delegation
In a sign of growing economic ties, a large business delegation from Chile, comprising over 30 companies including six women representatives of IT companies, will visit India ahead of President Boric’s trip. This delegation will participate in the 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary Edition of INDIASOFT – the International IT Exhibition & Conference – and the 10th Edition of the India Electronics Expo 2025. The event, scheduled for March 19, 2025, will showcase over 1,500 exhibitors and host approximately 700 delegates from 70+ countries, highlighting India’s role as a hub for innovation and technological collaboration.
The six women led by Paula Gonzalez Salas, founder and CEO Mujeres del Futuro, representing Chile and Mujeres del Futuro will be part of the “Women of the Future in Technology – Leading with Impact, Living with Purpose”, panel. This panel, according to organisers will address the contribution of women in the development of technology-based companies, the challenges they face and will also examine strategies to create inclusive workplaces that support the professional growth and well-being of all professionals in the industry.
Others women delegates are Marcela Ibarra, Solution Assessment Microsoft Chile, Loreto Sanchez, Senior Data Scientist Thoughtworks, Paula Barrera, IT Manager, CMPC, Alejandra Pereira Carramiñana, Head of Billing & Energy Supply Enel Chile, Denisse Cancino Lobos Head of Network Operation Enel Chile and Verónica Toro González, Corporate Treasury Manager Falabella.
They will share the panel with Dr. Harbeen Arora, founder of G100: Mission Million India and Janaina Tewaney (former foreign minister of Panama) – Lala co-founder Consilium Group.