Chile Eyes Stronger Tamil Nadu Ties as India Trade Crosses $5.4 Bn
Addressing Chile’s 216th Independence and National Day celebrations in Chennai, Angulo said bilateral trade had more than doubled in recent years, from about $2.2 billion to over $5.4 bn. Figures cited at the event put trade at $5.6 bn in 2025.
Chennai: Chile is seeking to deepen economic ties with Tamil Nadu, particularly in automobiles, engineering, renewable energy, healthcare, technology, agriculture and logistics, Chilean Ambassador to India Juan Angulo said.
Addressing Chile’s 216th Independence and National Day celebrations in Chennai, Angulo said bilateral trade had more than doubled in recent years, from about $2.2 billion to over $5.4 bn. Figures cited at the event put trade at $5.6 bn in 2025.
“Chile aims to establish itself as a reliable partner for India,” he said, inviting Tamil Nadu companies to explore commercial opportunities in Chile.
The two countries are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to replace the existing Preferential Trade Agreement. Four rounds of negotiations have been held since May 2025, covering goods, services, investment and movement of professionals.
Angulo highlighted Chile’s importance as a supplier of critical minerals. Chile accounts for about 22 per cent of global copper production and around 21 per cent of global reserves. It produces nearly 25 per cent of the world’s lithium and holds about 30 per cent of global reserves.
He said cooperation should move beyond mineral extraction towards joint value chains, manufacturing and technology development, particularly for electric vehicles, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
Tamil Nadu’s industrial strengths could provide opportunities for Chilean partnerships in manufacturing, IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, ports and logistics. Chile’s network of trade agreements covering more than 60 economies could also offer Indian companies access to markets across the Western Hemisphere.
The Ambassador also highlighted agriculture, food products, education, research and innovation as emerging areas of cooperation. A new visa system for Indian business visitors, providing multi-entry visas, is expected to facilitate greater professional exchanges.
Angulo said India-Chile commercial contacts dated back to the 1820s, while diplomatic relations were established in 1949. He also noted Chile’s support for India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Sunita Shahaney, Honorary Consul of Chile in Chennai, thanked the Chilean Government, Embassy and Chennai community for supporting the strengthening of India-Chile ties.