Bilateral Talks Between PM Modi and Chilean President at Hyderabad House

New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font at the Hyderabad House on Tuesday, where they explored strategies to boost bilateral engagement across various sectors including economics, commerce, and society.

The dialogue aimed at fortifying India-Chile relations and identifying new areas for collaboration.

Later, President Boric is set to meet his Indian counterpart, President Droupadi Murmu, followed by a banquet held in his honour.

Prior to this, Boric paid his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Reflecting on this significant moment, he shared on X, "Alongside our delegation of ministers and parliamentarians, we paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to him in New Delhi. His enduring legacy underscores that with India, we not only share mutual interests and a promising future for our citizens but also fundamental values."

The Chilean President arrived in New Delhi earlier for a five-day State Visit to India, where he was welcomed by Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the airport.

Following his arrival, Boric expressed his enthusiasm for the visit on X, stating, "It's 6:30 a.m. in New Delhi, and thus begins this State Visit to India, a pivotal moment for enhancing and diversifying our economic, political, and cultural relations at a time when multilateral cooperation is more crucial than ever. We are discussing the fifth-largest economy and the most populous nation on the globe, with whom we share common interests and opportunities for advancement in key areas like agribusiness, innovation, and the creative industries."

Boric also highlighted his delegation, stating, "We are here to strengthen and deepen our connections, which is why I am accompanied by government officials, members of the National Congress, business leaders, innovators in technology and culture, esteemed professors, and students. A packed schedule awaits. I will keep you updated!"

Before his meeting with PM Modi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar called on the Chilean President to discuss enhancing their long-standing bilateral relations.

Jaishankar later posted on X, "I was pleased to meet President Gabriel Boric of Chile at the commencement of his State Visit to India. I appreciate his dedication to deepening our enduring cooperation. I am confident his discussions with PM Narendra Modi today will pave the way for new partnerships and increased engagement."

During his visit, Boric will also travel to Mumbai and Bengaluru, where he is expected to interact with political figures, industry leaders, startup entrepreneurs, and technology innovators, fostering collaboration between the two nations in vital sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that this State Visit offers a chance for both nations to review their bilateral relations and discuss regional and global issues of shared interest.

"India-Chile relations have historically been characterized by warmth, friendship, and a mutual understanding on a variety of issues. Both nations collaborate extensively in multilateral platforms and share similar perspectives on climate change, renewable energy, and the expansion and reform of the UNSC," stated the MEA.

"Chile has consistently supported India's bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC in a Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of the Chilean Foreign Minister's official visit to India in April 2003 and has reiterated this support ever since. Chile also aligns with India's concerns regarding the threat of international terrorism and has condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," it added.