India and Chile have successfully concluded the first round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi. This development marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties between the two nations.
The negotiations commenced on May 26, 2025, following the signing of the Terms of Reference on May 8, 2025. The talks were formally inaugurated by India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo.
This initiative follows the recent state visit of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font to India in April 2025, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership.
Negotiation Details
The first round of CEPA negotiations covered 17 thematic areas, including:
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Trade in Goods and Services
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Rules of Origin
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Movement of Natural Persons
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Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation
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Technical Barriers to Trade
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Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
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Dispute Settlement
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Investment Promotion
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Intellectual Property Rights
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Women’s Economic Empowerment
The Indian delegation was led by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, while the Chilean team was headed by Pablo Urria, Director for Asia & Oceanic at Chile’s Secretariat of International Economic Relations.
Trade Relations and Future Prospects
India and Chile have shared a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) since 2007, which was expanded in 2016 to include a broader range of products. The proposed CEPA aims to build upon this foundation, encompassing a wider array of sectors such as digital services, investment promotion, cooperation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and critical minerals.
In the fiscal year 2024–25, India’s exports to Chile amounted to approximately USD 1.15 billion, while imports from Chile stood at USD 2.60 billion. Key Indian exports include automobiles and pharmaceuticals, whereas major imports from Chile comprise minerals, copper, and chemicals.
The second round of negotiations is scheduled for July or August 2025, with intersessional virtual meetings planned to address outstanding issues. Both nations are committed to advancing the CEPA as a pathway to deeper economic integration, shared growth, and enhanced strategic cooperation.