Focus on agriculture, market access, technology collaboration, and the upcoming India–Chile CEPA negotiations
New Delhi | Dec 4 2025
The Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing India’s trade partnership with Chile following a high-level meeting betweenMr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, and Mr. Iván Marambio, President of Frutas de Chile and Chair of the Chilean Chapter of the Chile–India Business Council. The meeting also builds on earlier engagements, including the visit of the President of Chile to Bengaluru in early 2025, where Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO met with him to discuss expanding bilateral opportunities and strengthening institutional cooperation. Following these exchanges, IETO will soon be leading a business delegation to Chile to deepen sector-to-sector engagement.
The gathering was also attended by the Chilean Ambassador to India, H.E. Juan Angulo, who emphasized Chile’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India in infrastructure development, green energy transition, and advanced manufacturing, noting the significant opportunities these sectors offer for technological exchange, sustainable investment, and long-term bilateral growth. The meeting further focused on expanding collaboration across agri-food exports, supply-chain logistics, technology partnerships, and strengthening private-sector linkages in anticipation of the India–Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) currently under discussion at the governmental level.
Strengthening India–Chile Agri-Trade
During the discussions, Mr. Marambio highlighted Chile’s ambition to significantly expand its fruit and agri-product footprint in India, one of the fastest-growing markets for premium produce.
“India represents one of the most dynamic and promising markets for Chilean agricultural exports,” said Iván Marambio. “We want to work closely with Indian stakeholders to ensure better access, consistent supply quality, and long-term collaborations that benefit consumers and industry on both sides.”
Mr. Marambio emphasized the role of the Chile–India Business Council under SOFOFA in accelerating business-to-business partnerships, eliminating tariff obstacles, and improving phytosanitary and regulatory alignment between the two nations.
Welcoming Chile’s proactive engagement, IETO President Asif Iqbal reiterated India’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Chile across multiple sectors including agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and supply-chain finance.
“India and Chile are natural partners in trade,” said Asif Iqbal, President of IETO.“Under the emerging CEPA framework, we see tremendous potential to expand bilateral commerce, particularly in fresh produce, agri-technology, value-added food processing, and digital services. Our discussions with Mr. Marambio mark a significant step toward building stronger industry-level bridges.”
Mr. Iqbal also stressed the importance of aligning Indian retailers, food importers, and cold-chain operators with Chile’s export ecosystem to ensure seamless movement of produce and reduce wastage.
“The future of India–Chile trade lies in creating resilient supply chains and encouraging private-sector collaboration. IETO will continue facilitating delegations, business missions, and joint working groups to translate our shared vision into concrete outcomes,” he added.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Agriculture
While fruit and agri-products remain a pillar of Chilean exports, both leaders agreed that the next phase of the relationship must touch broader areas including; Technology partnerships in logistics, traceability, and agriculture innovation, Skill development and knowledge exchange programs, Investment opportunities for Indian companies in Chile’s mining, renewable energy, and services sectors and Collaborative forums and business councils to promote continuous dialogue.
Mr. Marambio noted that as Chile diversifies its export portfolio, India’s huge consumer base and technology expertise present immense opportunities.
“We are committed to long-term engagement with India—not just as a market, but as a strategic partner in innovation, sustainability, and shared economic growth,” Marambio said.
The meeting comes at a critical time as both nations prepare for the next round of CEPA negotiations, expected to widen the existing trade framework by covering, Lower tariffs on agricultural products, Enhanced market access, Comprehensive services cooperation and Investment facilitation mechanisms.
