PM Modi Engages with Chilean President on Antarctic Cooperation and Trade

New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday referred to Chile as an "important ally and friend" for India in Latin America, reiterating his resolve to enhance collaboration across various domains, including Antarctica exploration, health security, trade, and strategic alliances.

PM Modi welcomed Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and his esteemed delegation to India during his inaugural State Visit.

During a joint press conference, PM Modi emphasized the increasing bilateral relations and the necessity to broaden cooperation.

"Chile is a significant friend and partner nation for India in Latin America. In today’s discussions, we pinpointed several new initiatives aimed at boosting collaboration in the forthcoming decade. We appreciate the rise in mutual trade and investment. We concur that there exists untapped potential for further cooperation in this area," PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister disclosed that both parties have instructed their teams to commence discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which is anticipated to enhance trade relations. He also stressed the importance of collaboration in critical minerals, resilient supply and value chains, and agricultural cooperation to ensure food security.

PM Modi further asserted that India is prepared to share its expertise with Chile in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, and space technology. He acknowledged the strategic significance of Chile as a gateway to Antarctica and welcomed the letter of intent signed between the two nations to bolster cooperation in this vital area.

The Prime Minister also underlined India’s contribution to Chile’s health security and reaffirmed a commitment to deepening collaboration.

"India has been a reliable partner in safeguarding the health security of Chile. We agreed to further enhance this cooperation," Boric said.

Highlighting cultural connections, PM Modi praised Chile’s decision to designate November 4 as National Yoga Day, calling it an "inspiring" initiative.

He also underscored the significance of traditional medicine, Ayurveda, and defense cooperation, pointing out that both nations are striving to improve industrial manufacturing and supply chains within the defense sector.

On a global scale, both leaders concurred on the necessity of resolving conflicts through dialogue and advocated for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other international institutions to effectively tackle contemporary challenges.

"India and Chile agree that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through dialogue. We concur that reforms in the United Nations Security Council and other institutions are essential for addressing global challenges. Together, we will continue to contribute to global peace and stability," PM Modi remarked.

Drawing attention to the profound connections between India and Chile, the Prime Minister also highlighted the geographical and cultural parallels between the two nations, citing the Himalayas of India and the Andes mountains of Chile as examples.

He further noted that Chilean Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral drew inspiration from the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Aurobindo Ghosh, emphasizing the strong cultural bonds between the two countries.

"Chile’s literature has also garnered appreciation in India. The growing interest of Chilean citizens in Indian films, cuisine, and classical dances is a testament to our cultural relations," he added.

Acknowledging the Indian diaspora in Chile, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Chilean government for its support.

"Nearly 4,000 people of Indian origin who consider Chile their home are the custodians of our shared heritage. I express my gratitude to President Boric and his government for their care towards them. We welcome the agreement reached today on the cultural exchange program between our nations. We also discussed simplifying the visa process and enhancing student exchanges between India and Chile," he remarked.

The Prime Minister conveyed optimism that President Boric’s visit would instill new energy and enthusiasm into bilateral relations.

"This energy will provide new momentum and direction to our bilateral ties, as well as our cooperation throughout the entire Latin America region. I wish you a pleasant visit and stay in India," he stated.

President Boric, in response, expressed his appreciation to PM Modi for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Chile’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

"We share our relations with India, and the possibilities of the potential which have not been explored yet should be worked upon. Today, we have come here to consolidate the seven decades of our relationship with India," Boric remarked.

He emphasized the significance of enhancing commercial ties, investments, and cooperation in critical minerals, which are vital for addressing global climate change issues.

Boric highlighted cultural exchanges between the two nations and Chile’s initiatives to attract Bollywood to its film industry.

"This visit has been characterized by cultural exchange. We are collaborating to bring the vibrant audiovisual industry from India to our nation through the 'Shoot in Chile' initiative, which we are preparing for film production in Chile. What we discussed in the meeting is the immense importance of what India has accomplished with its Bollywood presence," he noted.

Discussing Antarctica, Boric accentuated Chile’s strategic position and invited PM Modi to collaborate on research and exploration.

"Chile regards Antarctica as one of its paramount issues. It serves as a gateway to Antarctica, and we have invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Antarctica. We have signed a cooperation agreement in the area of exploration, covering major areas where we can work together with India regarding Antarctica," he stated.

As part of the visit, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged, including agreements on Antarctica cooperation, cultural exchange programs, and disaster management. The leaders expressed confidence that the agreements signed would pave the way for deeper engagement between the two nations.

"We are initiating a visit that will bring about significant decisions in the future. We will be staying in Agra, Bangalore, and Mumbai with various agendas. We are here with major authorities, parliamentarians, scientists, innovators, startups, students, professors, and practitioners of yoga and Ayurveda," Boric concluded.

He wrapped up by thanking PM Modi for his leadership in bolstering South-South cooperation and reinforcing bilateral engagements.