India holds key trade deal talks with Latin America partners with a focus on critical minerals

India has concluded two major rounds of trade negotiations with its Latin American partners — Peru and Chile — as part of efforts to expand economic cooperation, enhance market access, and strengthen collaboration in critical minerals.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the 9th Round of India–Peru Trade Agreement negotiations took place in Lima, Peru, from November 3–5.

“The discussions witnessed substantive progress across key chapters of the proposed Agreement including Trade in Goods and Services, Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Procedures, Dispute Settlement, and Critical Minerals,” added the statement.

The closing ceremony was attended by Teresa Stella Mera Gómez, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, and César Augusto Llona Silva, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade.

More from World

Is BBC anti-Trump? What are the new allegations against the British broadcaster? Canada's spy agency raises concern over threats from Russia & China in Arctic region

The Indian delegation was led by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary and Chief Negotiator, along with Vishvas Vidu Sapkal, Ambassador of India to Peru.

In her remarks, Gómez reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to concluding the negotiations on schedule, emphasising the complementarity of both economies. She expressed confidence that the agreement would boost trade and investment flows.

Ambassador Sapkal highlighted India’s growth momentum and the potential for cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, textiles, and food processing.

“Both sides agreed to hold intersessional meetings to address pending issues ahead of the next round of negotiations proposed to be held in New Delhi in January 2026,” read the statement.

Quick Reads

View All

Is BBC anti-Trump? What are the new allegations against the British broadcaster?

Bihar Exit Polls 2025 Updates: NDA likely to retain power in Bihar with sweeping majority, poll of polls predicts; MGB trails far behind

Earlier, the 3rd Round of India–Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations took place in Santiago, Chile, from October 27–30.

“Discussions covered a wide range of chapters including Trade in Goods and Services, Investment Promotion, Rules of Origin, Intellectual Property Rights, TBT/ SPS measures, Economic Cooperation and Critical Minerals. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to an early and time-bound conclusion of the CEPA negotiations, which aim to enhance market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and deepen economic integration,” according to the statement.

Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to a time-bound conclusion of the CEPA, which seeks to enhance market access, strengthen supply chain resilience, and deepen economic integration.

India’s growing engagement with Peru and Chile underscores its strategic push to build stronger, diversified trade partnerships across Latin America, anchored in sustainable growth and resource cooperation.