EAM S. Jaishankar and Chile's President Boric Discuss Bilateral Relations

New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font on Tuesday, focusing on enhancing their long-standing bilateral relationships.

Jaishankar shared on X, "Delighted to meet President Gabriel Boric of Chile at the commencement of his State Visit to India. I value his dedication to strengthening our long-term cooperation."

"I am optimistic that his discussions with PM Narendra Modi today will pave the way for new collaborations and deeper engagement," he noted.

Earlier that day, Boric arrived in New Delhi for a five-day State Visit and received a warm welcome from Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita, who presented him with a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the airport.

Announcing his visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "Bienvenido, President Gabriel Boric! President Boric of Chile has landed in New Delhi for his inaugural State Visit to India, receiving a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour."

Accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including ministers, parliament members, senior officials, business representatives, media personnel, and notable Chileans involved in the India-Chile cultural exchange, Boric plans to visit Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru before concluding his journey on April 5.

Upon his arrival in India, the Chilean President tweeted, "It’s 6:30 a.m. in New Delhi, and we begin this State Visit to India, a significant opportunity for reinforcing and diversifying our economic, political, and cultural relations amidst a time when multilateral cooperation is increasingly vital. We are discussing the fifth-largest economy and the most populous nation on Earth, with whom we share common goals and growth opportunities in key areas like agribusiness, innovation, and creative sectors."

Emphasizing the enhancement of bilateral connections, he stated, "We are here to fortify our ties, which is why I am accompanied by government officials, members of the National Congress, business leaders, innovators, esteemed professors, and students. A packed schedule awaits. I'll keep you updated!"

He is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day, where the two leaders will conduct comprehensive discussions covering the entirety of India-Chile relations. PM Modi will also host a special luncheon in Boric's honor.

Furthermore, the Chilean President will engage with his Indian counterpart, President Droupadi Murmu, for further discussions, after which a banquet will be held in his honor.

In Mumbai and Bengaluru, Boric will interact with political figures, industry leaders, startup entrepreneurs, and technology innovators, promoting collaborations between the two nations across various sectors.

The MEA highlighted that this State Visit provides an opportunity for both nations to evaluate their bilateral relations and discuss regional and global issues of mutual significance.

"India-Chile relations have historically been marked by warmth, friendship, and a shared perspective on diverse issues. Both nations collaborate extensively in multilateral forums and align on views regarding climate change, renewable energy, and the expansion and reform of the UNSC," stated the MEA.

"Chile expressed its support for India's aspiration for a permanent seat in the UNSC during a Joint Statement at the conclusion of the official visit of the Chilean Foreign Minister to India in April 2003, and this support has been consistently reaffirmed. Chile shares India's concerns regarding international terrorism and has condemned terrorism in all its forms," it concluded.