India, Chile hold 9th Foreign Office consultations in Santiago

New Delhi, Nov 11: The 9th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Chile was held in Santiago on November 10, 2025.

The meeting was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and Ambassador Rodrigo Olsen, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile. The consultations provided both sides an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, following the State visit of the President of Chile to India from April 1–5, 2025.

During the discussions, the two sides reviewed progress on the issues discussed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Gabriel Boric earlier this year, including the ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an early conclusion of the CEPA to further boost trade and investment ties.

India and Chile agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, connectivity, health and pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, science and technology, mining and mineral exploration, defence, civil nuclear technologies, education, agriculture, space and people-to-people exchanges. India also urged Chile to consider long-term agreements for the supply of mineral resources. Recognising new global opportunities, both sides agreed to explore collaboration in emerging areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, innovation and green energy. The matter of easing visa norms for Indian professionals and business visitors was discussed, including the launch of multiple-entry business visas, as announced by President Boric during his visit to India.

To diversify and strengthen bilateral relations, the two sides agreed to expedite the finalisation of pending agreements on cooperation in customs, recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia, traditional medicines and yoga, social security, space cooperation, training and capacity building, and education and cultural exchanges. India and Chile also agreed to coordinate closely on multilateral platforms on issues of mutual interest. With Chile recently hosting the LAC Regional Conference of the International Solar Alliance, the two countries discussed avenues for collaboration in renewable energy, technology sharing, and investments. It was further agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.