Chilean Prez Gabriel Boric lauds PM Modi during first India visit: 'Key geopolitical player'

During his address at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Boric praised PM Modi’s growing influence in global affairs.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, who is on a five-day state visit to India, held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, and mining.

During his address at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Boric praised PM Modi’s growing influence in global affairs. He remarked, "PM Modi can talk to every leader in the world - Putin, Trump, Zelenskyy, the European Union, Latin American leaders, Iran. You are a key geopolitical player in today’s world."

Following their meeting, PM Modi announced that both nations have agreed to begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen trade and investment ties. He also highlighted plans to enhance collaboration in critical minerals, an area of strategic importance for both countries.

PM Modi described Chile as India’s key partner in Latin America, calling it a "gateway to Antarctica." He also expressed India’s willingness to share expertise in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, and space technology.

"Today, we have directed our teams to begin discussions on a mutually beneficial comprehensive economic partnership agreement," the Prime Minister stated during the press meet following the bilateral talks.

Chile, one of the world’s leading producers of copper and lithium, holds significant potential for India’s growing industrial and green energy sectors.