Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font to visit India from 1 April

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font will arrive in India on a five-day state visit next week, a statement from the ministry of external affairs said.

This will be Boric’s first visit to India, during which he will travel to Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The visit comes as Chile is aiming to position itself as a strategic supplier of critical minerals such as lithium and copper, essential for India’s green energy transition and the electric vehicle sector.

India is also eager to expand bilateral relations within the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.

Modi and Boric first met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in December last year.

During their discussions, Modi had expressed India’s readiness to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure, healthcare, IT, science and technology, space, renewable energy, and defense.

The two leaders agreed to explore opportunities to expand the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

At 39, Boric is the youngest person to become Chilean President.

Boric arrives in India on 1 April, when he will meet Modi, who will host a lunch in his honor, the MEA statement said.

During his visit, Boric will also hold discussions with President Draupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honor, the MEA statement added.

Chile is an important trading partner for India in the LAC region.

Modi and Boric are expected to comprehensively review bilateral ties and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Boric will meet the political leadership, business and industry representatives, startups, innovators, and tech leaders in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, members of parliament, senior officials, business associations, media personnel, and prominent Chileans involved in the India-Chile cultural connection.