India-Chile CEPA Talks Progressing

India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Negotiations

Overview:

• The CEPA negotiations between India and Chile have progressed to the next stage, with a meeting held in Santiago, Chile on August 26, 2026, between India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal and Chile's Under-Secretary for International Economic Relations, Paula Estévez Weinstein.

Key Objectives:

• Strengthen trade and investment relations between India and Chile.
• Aim to complete negotiations by the end of 2026.
• Focus on creating meaningful opportunities for businesses and people from both countries.

Strategic Significance:

• Both nations identify as part of the Global South, which provides a common strategic basis for deepening bilateral economic cooperation and promoting shared prosperity.

Areas of Economic Cooperation:

• Potential growth in various sectors including:
  • Healthcare
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Energy
  • Minerals
  • Agriculture
  • Machinery
  • Engineering

Goals of CEPA:

• Establish a balanced and mutually beneficial framework for trade.
• Facilitate substantial and commercially meaningful opportunities for businesses in both countries.
• Enhance bilateral trade and economic partnerships through successful completion of CEPA negotiations.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increase in trade and investment avenues.
• Promotion of collaboration in technology, talent, and resilient supply chains.
• Establish a robust foundation for long-term economic cooperation between India and Chile.

Conclusion:

• The successful conclusion of CEPA negotiations is anticipated to accelerate growing bilateral trade and economic partnerships, benefiting both nations through a structured and equitable trade agreement.