3 days ago
India and Chile Push to Conclude CEPA Talks by 2026
India and Chile are working on a new trade agreement called a CEPA.
The agreement could make it easier for the two countries to buy and sell goods and invest in each other.
Indian official Rajesh Agrawal met Chilean official Paula Estévez Weinstein in Santiago on August 26.
India wants to finish the talks by the end of 2026.
The agreement could cover healthcare, medicines, energy, minerals, farming, machinery and engineering.
It could also support cooperation in technology, skilled workers and reliable supply chains.
The talks are at an advanced stage, but some issues still need to be solved.
Chile has concerns about market access, while India is concerned about critical minerals.
India and Chile are advancing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met Chilean Vice-Minister Paula Estévez Weinstein in Santiago on August 26, 2026.
India aims to conclude the CEPA negotiations within 2026, with a balanced and mutually beneficial outcome.
The proposed pact could expand trade, investment, market access and cooperation in technology, talent and supply chains.
Negotiators are addressing Chilean market-access concerns and India’s concerns over critical minerals.
- Who
- India and Chile, represented by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Chilean Vice-Minister Paula Estévez Weinstein.
- What
- They are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to expand trade, investment and wider economic cooperation.
- Where
- The meeting took place in Santiago, Chile.
- When
- The officials met on August 26, 2026, and the negotiations are targeted for completion within 2026.
- Why
- The proposed CEPA is intended to improve market access and strengthen economic cooperation, technology links, talent exchanges and resilient supply chains.
India’s Negotiating Priorities
Chile’s Negotiating Concerns
Market access and minerals
India’s Negotiating Priorities
India is seeking solutions to concerns involving critical minerals while pursuing commercially meaningful access and outcomes.
Chile’s Negotiating Concerns
Government sources said market access remains an issue from Chile’s side of the negotiations.
Agreement framework
India’s Negotiating Priorities
India is advocating an open, sustained, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement for businesses and people in both countries.
Chile’s Negotiating Concerns
Chile’s new government is described by government sources as keen on concluding the agreement, while outstanding issues are being addressed.
Key facts
- Proposed agreement
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA
- Officials’ meeting
- Rajesh Agrawal met Paula Estévez Weinstein in Santiago on August 26, 2026
- Completion target
- India and Chile aim to conclude negotiations within 2026
- Negotiation status
- The talks are described as being at an advanced stage
- Potential sectors
- Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, minerals, agriculture, machinery and engineering
- 2025 bilateral trade
- Trade rose to $5.38 billion from $3.84 billion in 2024
- Pending issues
- Chile’s market-access concerns and India’s concerns over critical minerals
Quotes
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
India’s government ministry responsible for commerce and industry
“India remains committed to concluding the CEPA negotiations within this year, with the aim of delivering a balanced and mutually beneficial framework that provides equitable and commercially meaningful outcomes for businesses on both sides.”
thehindubusinessline.com
CNBC TV 18
“The new government in Chile is keen on the agreement. Both sides are looking to find solutions to the pending issues.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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