NEW DELHI: India and Chile took a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral ties as Union Minister of State for Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, held a high-level dialogue with Chileโs Minister of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Carolina Arredondo, in New Delhi.
The meeting was part of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Fontโs official five-day tour of India, aimed at commemorating over seven decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In their interaction, Dr. Murugan extended a formal invitation to the Chilean delegation for the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled from May 1 to 4, 2025. He also gifted Minister Arredondo an artwork symbolizing Indiaโs rich heritage in stone craftsmanship, reflecting the cultural depth that underpins Indo-Chilean relations.
Joining the ministerial discussion were key dignitaries, including Martรญn Gormaz, Third Secretary from the Chilean Embassy, Lakshmi Chandra, Under Secretary at Indiaโs Ministry of External Affairs, and Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan M.N., Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The visit of President Gabriel Boric Fontโhis first to Indiaโmarks a diplomatic milestone, celebrating 76 years of bilateral relations. Alongside the capital, President Boricโs itinerary includes stops in Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
During his engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both leaders agreed to begin formal negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They outlined cooperation in key domains such as mining, renewable energy, defence production, space technology, and sustainable agriculture.
Healthcare also featured prominently in the talks, with Prime Minister Modi highlighting Chileโs growing interest in Indian wellness systems like Yoga and Ayurveda as evidence of cultural harmony. The two sides pledged to foster deeper people-to-people engagement through student exchanges and cultural programs to build long-term educational bridges.
The visit not only signaled a maturing economic partnership but also reflected a shared vision for artistic and scientific collaboration between the two democracies.
