India and Chile conclude first CEPA talks in Delhi, eyeing deeper trade and economic cooperation.
In a significant step toward bolstering bilateral trade, India and Chile have successfully concluded the first round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi. The talks, which began on May 26, follow the formal signing of the Terms of Reference earlier this month on May 8, a commitment born from recent high-level engagements between both nations.
The negotiations were inaugurated by India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, alongside Chilean Ambassador to India H.E. Juan Angulo. Barthwal highlighted the CEPA’s potential to forge a deeper economic partnership and build robust global value chains.
The Indian side was led by Chief Negotiator Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, while the 17-member Chilean delegation was headed by Pablo Urria, Director for Asia & Oceanic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile.
During the week-long session, negotiators engaged across 17 thematic tracks including Trade in Goods and Services, Movement of Natural Persons, Rules of Origin, Investment Cooperation, Dispute Settlement, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Sustainable Development, among others.
This pivotal round follows the State Visit of Chilean President H.E. Gabriel Boric Font to India in April 2025, where both he and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed the formal launch of CEPA talks. President Boric reaffirmed India’s position as a priority trade partner and stressed the need for a more diversified and dynamic commercial relationship.
Both nations aim to finalise a CEPA that is balanced, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial. Stakeholder consultations and industry inputs will shape the ongoing modalities of the agreement.
The next round of talks is expected to take place in July or August 2025, with interim intersessional discussions scheduled via virtual meetings to address outstanding issues.
With the successful conclusion of the first round, India and Chile are poised to deepen economic ties and unlock greater trade, investment, and employment opportunities for both nations.
Source: PIB
