CEPA talks targeted for year-end
Key Highlights
- India aims to conclude CEPA negotiations with Chile by the end of 2026.
- Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal visited Santiago to review progress in the negotiations.
- The proposed agreement is expected to strengthen trade and investment between India and Chile.
- Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, minerals and agriculture are among key sectors identified for cooperation.
- Technology, talent and resilient supply chains are also expected to benefit from the proposed agreement.
- India said the CEPA aims to provide balanced and commercially meaningful outcomes for businesses in both countries.
New Delhi, August 30, 2026: India has reaffirmed its commitment to conclude negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement with Chile by the end of 2026, as the two countries look to strengthen their growing economic and investment partnership.
The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to create new opportunities for trade and investment while expanding cooperation in areas including technology, talent development and resilient supply chains.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal recently visited Santiago, Chile, to review the progress of the negotiations and advance discussions on the proposed agreement.
During his visit, Agarwal met Paula Estevez Weinstein, Vice-Minister of International Economic Relations of Chile, on August 26 to discuss the next steps in the India-Chile CEPA negotiations.
The Commerce Ministry said India remains committed to completing the negotiations within the current year and aims to develop a balanced and mutually beneficial framework for businesses in both countries.
The proposed agreement is expected to provide equitable and commercially meaningful opportunities while supporting stronger economic engagement between India and Chile.
During the discussions, the Commerce Secretary highlighted significant opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
These include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, minerals, agriculture, machinery and engineering.
The two countries are also exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in emerging areas and develop more resilient supply chains.
A successful conclusion of the CEPA negotiations is expected to provide additional momentum to India’s expanding trade and economic relationship with Chile.
The proposed agreement could also improve market access and encourage greater investment and business partnerships between companies in the two countries.
India has recently continued to expand its network of international trade agreements as part of its broader strategy to strengthen exports, improve market access and deepen economic ties with key global partners.
The India-Chile CEPA is expected to become an important part of this strategy, particularly as India seeks to strengthen its commercial engagement with Latin American economies.
If concluded by the end of the year, the agreement could open new opportunities for businesses across sectors and further strengthen bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between India and Chile.
