India and Chile have agreed to initiate discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, signaling a new phase in their bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, during their meeting in India, emphasized the importance of strengthening economic, agricultural, and technological ties. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, defence, digital infrastructure, and, importantly, agriculture—an area where both nations can leverage their strengths for mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Modi described Chile as India’s gateway to Antarctica and highlighted India’s willingness to share its expertise in multiple fields. The agreement marks a crucial step toward building stronger economic and technological connections between the two nations.
Agricultural Collaboration for Food Security and Sustainability
A key highlight of the discussions was the commitment to deepening agricultural cooperation. With both nations facing challenges related to climate change and food security, the leaders acknowledged the need to combine their capabilities. India, with its advanced agrotech sector, is set to share its expertise in digital farming, precision agriculture, and supply chain management with Chile.
India’s experience in developing digital public infrastructure for agriculture—such as farmer-centric mobile applications, weather forecasting models, and blockchain-based supply chains—could significantly enhance Chile’s agricultural productivity. Chile, known for its high-quality exports of fruits and wines, can also offer insights into efficient cold-chain logistics and sustainable farming practices. This collaboration is expected to create resilient food supply chains that benefit farmers and consumers in both countries.
Recent JWG Meeting Aligns with President Boric’s Vision for Cooperation
The recent visit of Chilean President Gabriel Boric to India has brought renewed focus on bilateral cooperation, particularly in the agriculture sector. This was evident in the 1st Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture held virtually between India and Chile on March 12, 2025. The meeting, co-chaired by Ajeet Kumar Sahu from India’s Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Gabriel Layseca from Chile’s Bureau of Agricultural Studies and Policies (ODEPA), underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthening agricultural ties and exploring new areas of collaboration. The discussions held during this JWG meeting align with President Boric’s broader vision of deepening economic and technological partnerships with India.
India’s presentation at the meeting showcased its significant strides in agricultural innovation, reinforcing the themes highlighted during President Boric’s visit. Joint Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu detailed key government initiatives such as the Digital Agriculture Mission, Women-led Development programs like the Lakhpati Didi Program and Krishi Sakhi, and the promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These programs reflect India’s commitment to leveraging technology and inclusive policies to boost agricultural productivity, a strategy that could offer valuable insights for Chile. Additionally, initiatives like Natural and Organic Farming, Crop Insurance, and e-NAM (the National Agriculture Market) present potential areas where the two countries can collaborate for mutual benefit.
Chile, represented by Gabriel Layseca, reaffirmed its interest in expanding agricultural cooperation with India. Acknowledging the complementarity between the two nations, Chile sees India as a key partner in areas such as market access, horticulture, capacity building, and research collaboration. Given Chile’s expertise in agribusiness, agro-exports, and sustainable farming practices, there is immense scope for knowledge exchange that can drive innovation and rural development in both countries. The timing of the JWG meeting during President Boric’s visit underscores the growing importance of agriculture in India-Chile relations and highlights how both countries are looking to strengthen institutional mechanisms for long-term cooperation.
With the presence of officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions set the stage for deeper collaboration in research, trade, and technological exchange. The outcomes of this JWG meeting are likely to be instrumental in shaping future policy frameworks that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. As President Boric’s visit focuses on strengthening economic and trade ties, agriculture is emerging as a key sector where India and Chile can foster a strategic partnership, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and rural communities in both nations.
India’s digital public infrastructure, which has played a crucial role in financial inclusion and governance, could serve as a model for Chile’s agricultural digital transformation. Through initiatives like the Digital Green initiative and AgriStack, India has successfully integrated digital tools into farming, allowing for better data collection, price transparency, and direct farmer-to-consumer interactions.
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Investment Opportunities in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
The meeting between the two leaders also underscored the untapped potential in investment within the agricultural sector. India and Chile agreed to explore new investment opportunities that align with the evolving needs of farmers, agribusinesses, and food supply chains. This includes joint ventures in agri-processing, biotechnology, and logistics infrastructure.
With India’s vast consumer market and Chile’s reputation for high-quality exports, strengthening trade agreements in agri-commodities could be beneficial. Discussions included the potential for reducing trade barriers, easing export-import regulations, and improving access to quality seeds and fertilizers. Such measures would enhance agricultural trade and promote economic stability in both nations.
On a broader level, India and Chile acknowledged the importance of working together on global agricultural policies. As both nations are members of international organizations focused on food security, sustainability, and climate resilience, they expressed a shared commitment to advocating for farmer-friendly policies in global forums.
The leaders discussed the necessity of reforms in international institutions like the United Nations Security Council to ensure that agricultural and environmental concerns receive the attention they deserve. Additionally, they agreed to collaborate on scientific research related to climate change mitigation strategies for the agriculture sector, recognizing that unpredictable weather patterns pose a threat to global food security.
A Future-Ready Partnership in Agriculture and Beyond
Beyond trade and economics, the growing cultural and educational exchanges between India and Chile were acknowledged. The increasing popularity of Indian films in Chile is seen as a testament to the deepening cultural ties between the two nations. Additionally, India’s willingness to offer training programs for Chilean professionals in defence and agricultural technologies was highlighted as a key component of future collaboration.
By fostering knowledge exchange programs between agricultural universities, research institutions, and industry leaders, both nations can create a framework for continuous learning and adaptation to new farming technologies.
The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Boric Font mark a significant step toward a future-ready partnership, particularly in agriculture. As negotiations for the economic partnership agreement move forward, the focus remains on creating sustainable, technology-driven, and mutually beneficial agricultural systems. The integration of digital solutions, investments in sustainable farming, and open trade channels will pave the way for a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector in both India and Chile.
By leveraging their respective strengths, the two countries aim to not only enhance their bilateral trade but also contribute meaningfully to global food security and agricultural sustainability. The coming years will likely see deeper collaboration in research, investment, and policy-making, ensuring that farmers in both nations reap the benefits of this evolving partnership.
