India, Chile Advance CEPA Talks to Boost Bilateral Trade
India and Chile pursue a CEPA to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation, with bilateral trade exceeding $5.6 billion in 2025 and opportunities emerging across technology, manufacturing, healthcare and renewable energy.
India and Chile are working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at deepening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation. Chilean Ambassador to India Juan Angulo said the proposed agreement reflects the growing importance of economic relations between the two countries.
Speaking at an event in Chennai marking the 216th anniversary of Chile’s independence, Angulo said bilateral trade between India and Chile exceeded $5.6 billion in 2025. He highlighted the scope for expanding commercial engagement between Chilean businesses and Indian companies, particularly across sectors where Tamil Nadu has established industrial and technological capabilities.
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According to the ambassador, Tamil Nadu's strengths in automobiles, engineering, information technology, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, ports and logistics could create opportunities for greater cooperation with Chilean businesses and institutions. The state’s industrial base and connectivity could support additional trade and investment links between Chile and southern India.
The CEPA negotiations are already underway, with both countries working towards a broader trade framework. In August, Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal visited Chile and held discussions with Chilean Vice-Minister of International Economic Relations Paula Estevez Weinstein to review progress in the negotiations. Chile's trade authorities described the talks as part of efforts to diversify the country's export markets and strengthen economic relations with India.
India has also indicated its intention to conclude the CEPA negotiations during 2026. The proposed agreement is expected to address market access and create additional opportunities for trade and investment, while also supporting cooperation in areas such as technology, talent and resilient supply chains.
India's existing trade relationship with Chile covers a range of products. Indian exports include automobiles, pharmaceuticals, electrical machinery, textiles, chemicals, agricultural and food products, iron and steel goods and leather products. Imports from Chile include copper concentrates, molybdenum, iodine, gold, agricultural products and other minerals and commodities.
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India is Chile's fifth-largest trading partner in the Latin America and Caribbean region, according to India's Embassy in Santiago. Bilateral trade increased from $3.84 billion in 2024 to $5.38 billion in 2025, with Indian exports rising to $1.41 billion and imports reaching $3.97 billion.
The proposed CEPA would build on the existing India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement, which has been expanded previously. The two sides are continuing negotiations as they seek to broaden market access and strengthen commercial engagement.
The latest discussions come as India expands its trade engagement with Latin American markets, with greater emphasis on diversifying export destinations and strengthening economic partnerships across the region.
