India and Chile have stepped up negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both countries targeting the conclusion of the pact by the end of 2026.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met Paula Estévez Weinstein, Vice-Minister of International Economic Relations of Chile, in Santiago on August 26 to advance discussions on the proposed trade agreement.
The negotiations seek to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties and create commercially meaningful opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Focus on wider economic cooperation
India reiterated its commitment to an open, sustained and balanced engagement with Chile, with the CEPA aimed at strengthening economic ties while delivering mutually beneficial outcomes.
Both sides underlined the importance of building on the growing India–Chile relationship and translating their shared objectives into concrete opportunities for businesses and people.
Agrawal highlighted significant potential for expanding economic cooperation across sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, minerals, agriculture, machinery and engineering.
The successful conclusion of the CEPA negotiations is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral trade and investment, while broadening market access for businesses in both countries.
Supply chains and technology
Beyond conventional trade, the proposed agreement is expected to encourage greater cooperation in technology, talent and resilient supply chains.
India and Chile share a common identity as members of the Global South and have articulated a broader strategic vision for economic cooperation. This provides a foundation for expanding their partnership across emerging and strategic sectors.
India remains committed to completing the CEPA negotiations within 2026, with the objective of establishing a balanced framework that delivers equitable and commercially meaningful outcomes for businesses on both sides.
The agreement, once concluded, is expected to open new avenues for trade and investment and strengthen the foundations for long-term economic cooperation between India and Chile.