India and Chile Launch Comprehensive Economic Partnership Talks to Boost Trade Relations, ET Government

The negotiations follow the recent State Visit of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font to India in April, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership.NEW DELHI: India and Chile on Friday successfully concluded the first round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. The talks began on May 26, following the signing of the Terms of Reference on May 8, 2025, and were formally inaugurated by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal in the presence of Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo.The negotiations follow the recent State Visit of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font to India in April, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership. President Boric emphasized India’s strategic role in Chile’s trade vision and called for enhanced, diversified commercial ties.

The Indian side was led by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, while the 17-member Chilean delegation was headed by Pablo Urria, Director for Asia & Oceanic at Chile’s Secretariat of International Economic Relations.

Deliberations were held across 17 thematic tracks, including:

• Trade in Goods & Services
• Rules of Origin
• Movement of Natural Persons
• Customs Procedures & Trade Facilitation
• Technical Barriers to Trade
• Sanitary & Phytosanitary Measures
• Dispute Settlement
• Investment Promotion
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Women’s Economic Empowerment
• Sustainable Development & Critical Minerals

The CEPA is expected to unlock new avenues in trade, promote the integration of global value chains, and facilitate MSME growth and employment generation. Both countries aim to build a framework that is ambitious, inclusive, and future-ready.The second round of negotiations is scheduled for July/August 2025, preceded by virtual intersessional meetings to address outstanding issues. Stakeholder consultations and industry inputs will guide the modalities of the agreement.

India and Chile are committed to advancing the CEPA as a pathway to deeper economic integration, shared growth, and enhanced strategic cooperation.

• Published On May 31, 2025 at 08:28 AM IST

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