Unlocking Opportunities: The Significance of the Chilean President’s Visit to India for Lithium Trade and Strategic Alliances

When Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font visits New Delhi on April 1 for a five-day trip, it’s more than just a diplomatic gesture. This visit is a significant step in strengthening relations between India and Latin America. The External Affairs Ministry announced that President Boric will be joined by a high-level delegation, including ministers, parliament members, and business leaders.

This is the first time Boric is visiting India as President. His itinerary includes stops in Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru before he returns to Chile on April 5. In New Delhi, he is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a wide range of topics related to India-Chile relations.

The bond between India and Chile has deep roots. These two countries have shared friendly ties since 1949, just after Chile supported India’s independence efforts. Back in 1947, Chile was the only Latin American country that sent a special envoy to India’s Independence Day celebrations. Over the years, both nations have conformed to similar views on global changes, climate initiatives, and economic cooperation.

President Boric’s visit comes after a 16-year gap since a Chilean president last visited India. The last was Michelle Bachelet Jeria in 2009, during celebrations for 60 years of diplomatic ties. Despite their geographic distance, India and Chile have cultivated a strong partnership marked by shared values of democracy and a commitment to sustainable development.

Trade plays a vital role in the relationship. Chile signed its first trade agreement with India back in 1956, and a framework agreement in 2005 paved the way for further economic collaboration. The current trade volume between these nations reached $3.8 billion in 2024, making Chile one of India’s key trading partners in Latin America. Indian investment in Chile is about $620 million, while Chilean investments in India have reached around $118 million.

Chile is the top global supplier of copper and holds significant lithium reserves, essential for India’s growing focus on electric vehicles and renewable energy. Both countries are working together under the International Solar Alliance to advance solar energy solutions, further deepening their cooperation in sustainable practices.

Culturally, India’s influence is growing in Chile. Around 4,000 Indians live in Chile, and cultural exchanges, including scholarships and educational programs, help strengthen people-to-people ties. Indian culture, particularly yoga, Bollywood films, and cuisine, is gaining popularity.

According to Ash Narain Roy, Director at the Institute of Social Sciences in New Delhi, Boric represents a new wave in Chilean politics. At 39, he is one of the youngest leaders and noted for his focus on free elections and criticism of authoritarian regimes in the region. Roy emphasizes that as India rises as a key player in global politics, Boric’s visit holds significance not just for bilateral ties, but also for regional stability.

The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with nations like China making significant investments in Latin America. Countries in the region are now looking to diversify their partnerships, and India is seen as a supportive ally. Boric’s trip signifies this desire. He will even discuss “Chile and India: Side by Side on the Global South” at a think tank session during his visit.

President Boric’s arrival is timely. As concerns about climate change and supply chain security grow, the relationship between India and Chile could evolve into a powerful alliance in the Global South. Through energy, trade, and diplomatic efforts, the potential for stronger ties and collaboration is immense. Both nations are on the brink of a new chapter in their partnership, one that could benefit not just them but also broader international relations.

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GABRIEL BORIC, LITHIUM SUPPLIES, DIPLOMATIC TIES, INDI LATIN AMERICAN RELATIONS, CHILEAN PRESIDENT, LITHIUM, TRADE, AND STRATEGIC TIES: WHY CHILEAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO INDIA MATTERS