PM Modi calls Chile ‘important friend,’ discusses strengthening ties in trade, defence and critical minerals

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called Chile an "important friend and partner" within Latin America, while emphasising its dedication, enhancing collaboration across multiple domains.
The areas of mutual interest encompass Antarctica research, healthcare security measures, bilateral trade relations and strategic alliances between the two nations.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, earlier today, arrived in India and met PM Modi. The two leaders jointly addressed the press at the Hyderabad House.
"This is President Boric's first visit to India and his commitment to strengthen the friendship and relations with India is truly amazing. I heartily welcome him and the distinguished delegation that has come with him. Chile is an important friend and partner country for India in Latin America. In today's discussions, we identified several new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the coming decade," PM Modi said.

India sees Chile as the gateway to Antarctica, PM Mod said while addressing the presser and announced that November 4 will be celebrated as National Yoga Day in Santiago.
PM Modi said "We see Chile as the gateway to Antarctica. We welcome the signing of the letter of intent between the two sides today to enhance cooperation in this important area. India has been a reliable partner in ensuring the health security of Chile."
Chile is considered a gateway to Antarctica primarily due to its geographic proximity and the presence of key cities like Punta Arenas, which serve as major departure points for expeditions and scientific research trips to the continent.
We agreed to further deepen this cooperation. It is a matter of great happiness that the people of Chile have adopted yoga as a healthy lifestyle. The declaration of November 4 as National Yoga Day in Chile is an inspiration for all of us. We also discussed enhancing cooperation in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Chile. The growing cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of our deep mutual trust."

PM Modi discussed the development of a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the countries. He highlighted that teams would concentrate on critical minerals.
"Today we have instructed our teams to begin discussions on a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Partnership in the field of Critical Minerals will be emphasized. Work will be done to establish resilient supply and value chains," he said.
"India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in Digital Public Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Railways, Space and other areas," PM Modi stated.

At the presser, PM Modi said that he had discussed with Chile to ease the process of visa and will make efforts to increase student exchange between the countries.
He also said that both the countries might be on a different shores but the cultures have also remained close to each other by adopting this diversity.
"On the world map, India and Chile may be on different shores, there may be vast oceans separating us, but nature has connected us with unique similarities. The Himalayas of India and the Andes of Chile have shaped the course of life in both countries for thousands of years. The waves of the Indian Ocean flow in India with the same energy as the waves of the Pacific Ocean touch the shores of Chile. Both countries are not only connected by nature, but our cultures have also remained close to each other by adopting this diversity," PM Modi said.

" The growing interest of the people of Chile in Indian films and classical dance is a living example of our cultural relations. We welcome the agreement reached today on the cultural exchange program between the two countries. We also discussed simplifying the visa process between the two countries. We will also continue to make efforts to increase student exchange between India and Chile," he added.
During Font's inaugural visit to India, PM Modi acknowledged Chile's significance as a partner nation for India.
"This is President Boric's first visit to India and his commitment to strengthen the friendship and relations with India is truly amazing. I heartily welcome him and the distinguished delegation that has come with him. Chile is an important friend and partner country for India in Latin America," he stated.
The discussions revealed opportunities for investment expansion, as noted by PM Modi.
"In today's discussions, we identified several new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the coming decade. We welcome the growth in mutual trade and investment. We agree that there is also untapped potential for more cooperation in this," he stated.
PM Modi indicated plans for agricultural collaboration and India's willingness to share expertise across various sectors.
"Cooperation will be done to ensure food security by combining each other's capabilities in the field of agriculture. India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, space and other areas," he stated.