India is aiming to conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Chile by October, as talks enter their final stage. The proposed pact is intended to expand market access for Indian exporters and deepen bilateral trade ties.
Critical minerals, particularly copper and lithium, remain a key issue in the negotiations. India is seeking greater certainty and preferential access to Chilean mineral resources to strengthen supplies for industrial and clean-energy sectors. Chile is the world’s largest copper producer and holds substantial lithium reserves.
Market access is another major sticking point, with discussions covering sensitive products and tariff concessions. Both countries are working to resolve the remaining differences ahead of the targeted October conclusion.
Bilateral trade has grown sharply, reaching $2.06 billion in the June quarter, up nearly 74% year on year. India’s imports from Chile rose particularly strongly, driven partly by higher mineral and ore purchases.
The agreement would upgrade the existing India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement and form part of New Delhi’s broader strategy to diversify export markets while securing reliable supplies of critical raw materials.