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Chilean FM Seeks To Advance Trade Treaty With India

Chile is a key partner of India in the Latin American region…reports Asian Lite News

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren on Wednesday termed India as a “very important partner” for Chile and hoped to advance bilateral ties to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) agreement.

Klaveren who arrived on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to India participated in the second India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Chile is a key partner of India in the Latin American region and as per the External Affairs Ministry Klaveren’s visit will provide both sides an opportunity to review the progress in bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation, further strengthening bilateral ties.

Speaking to ANI, Klaveren said India “is a very important partner for Chile.” “We admire India for its growth, for its culture, for its civilization. And we think that there is a big potential to expand our ties with India, to strengthen our ties with India, both in economic terms and also in political terms.”

Ahead of the India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting today Klaveren said, “We hope very much that we can strengthen our mutual relations.”

On CEPA negotiations with India, the Chilean minister stated, “Precisely one of our objectives with respect to India is to advance to a CEPA agreement. We have already made necessary studies for that. We have also analyzed terms of reference and well we hope that the next step will be the initiation of negotiations. We know that that takes time, but we think we are confident that we’re going to be successful.”

Chile has an estimated USD 2,847 billion worth of trade in 2023. Last year, India ranked 16th as a destination for Chile’s non-copper and non-lithium exports, with USD 560 million in exports of goods and services out of which 30 per cent related to foods.

Chile was the first nation to have a Partial Scope Agreement (PSA) with India, in force since 2007. This agreement was extended in 2017 when India granted tariff preferences for 1,110 Chilean products.

Addressing the India-Chile joint commission meeting, Jaishankar stated that India deeply values Chile’s participation in the Voice of Global South Summits and praised Chilean President Gabriel Boric for his insightful remarks at the third Voice of Global South Summit held on August 17.

Jaishankar recalled that the second India-Chile Joint Commission meeting was conducted in a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Klavern’s visit follows recent diplomatic engagements between India and Chile.

Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angula, and Police Attache Rafael Andres Tellez Benucci visited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in May 2023 and discussions with CBI Director Praveen Sood and senior officials of the premier investigation agency. During that meeting, they acknowledged the close cooperation between CBI and Chile’s Policia De Investigaciones (PDI), particularly in combating technology-enabled crimes, drug trafficking, and transnational crimes.

On Tuesday, Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur met with Esteban Valenzuela, Chile’s Minister for Agriculture, along with his delegation, for a high-level bilateral meeting held at Krishi Bhavan in the national capital.

Discussions also addressed agricultural challenges in both Chile and India and explored opportunities to boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The ministers underscored the importance of sustainable practices and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the agricultural partnership to strengthen cooperation.

Chile and India agreed to work towards resolving market access issues for Indian mangoes and pomegranates, while exploring opportunities to expand trade in various agricultural products.

The Chilean Minister conveyed Chile’s keen interest in importing Indian bananas and basmati rice.

MoS Thakur emphasised on exploring opportunities to expand trade in products such as roses, garlic, kidney beans, and other items, aiming to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade, the Chile’s Minister expressed an interest in broadening the range of agricultural products traded by including walnuts, fruits, and vegetables in the existing list.

Valenzuela welcomed India’s proposal to establish a task force to address market access and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) concerns raised by the Indian side, an official statement said.

The ministers discussed the implementation of MoUs on agricultural cooperation, the horticulture action plan, and e-certification of phytosanitary certificates.

The meeting was also attended by Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile, Gabriel Layseca, Head of the Department of International Affairs of ODEPA and Marcelo Alvarez, Communications Professional, Ministry of Agriculture, Chile. The Indian side was attended by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary(IC), Muktanand Agrawal Joint Secretary (PP) and other senior officers of the Ministry. (ANI)

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India eyes critical minerals in Argentina, Australia, Chile

The ambitious plan is crucial for India, which is predominantly dependent on imports for its critical mineral supply…reports Asian Lite News

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), a joint venture company, is making significant strides in the global mining sector by exploring opportunities for acquiring critical mineral assets in Argentina, Australia, and Chile. This initiative aims to secure a resilient supply of strategic minerals for India’s domestic industry, addressing the growing demand for resources like lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co).
 
KABIL, established with the equity contributions of three Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) – National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd (MECL), has been tasked with identifying, exploring, acquiring, developing, mining, processing, procuring, and selling strategic minerals abroad. This ambitious plan is crucial for India, which is predominantly dependent on imports for its critical mineral supply.
 
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 31, 2024), provided detailed information about various aspects of this endeavour.
 
Expansion in Argentina


In Argentina, KABIL has signed an Exploration and Development contract with the State-owned company of Argentina, obtaining exclusivity rights for the exploration and development of lithium blocks in the Catamarca Province. The company has initiated activities to secure statutory clearances and other necessary steps to commence exploration. This move positions KABIL to tap into Argentina’s rich lithium reserves, which are vital to produce batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and other technologies.
 
Partnership in Australia


KABIL’s expansion efforts in Australia are equally promising. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Critical Mineral Office (CMO) of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISER), Government of Australia. This partnership aims to carry out joint due diligence and further investment in lithium and cobalt mining assets in Australia.
 
The MoU will also help KABIL in making long-term investment decisions and establishing off-take arrangements to ensure a sustainable supply of these critical minerals to India. Given the high cost of lithium mines in Australia, this collaboration is a strategic move to secure essential resources.
 
Initiatives in Chile


In Chile, KABIL has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the State-owned company ENAMI to explore brine-type lithium blocks. This agreement is part of KABIL’s continuous efforts to explore possibilities in countries with rich potential for critical and strategic minerals. The company has also submitted an expression of interest against a Request for Information (RFI) floated by the Government of Chile for developing projects involving the exploration, extraction, and processing of lithium salts or other deposits.
 
KABIL’s initiatives are part of a broader strategy supported by the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). This international alliance aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy mineral supply chains. MSP partners include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. 
 
These partners strive to elevate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards across the global minerals sector, ensuring that supported projects meet high, internationally recognized standards and promote local value addition and community upliftment.
 
India is planning to inject additional equity into KABIL to ramp up the acquisition of overseas mineral resources, particularly critical minerals like lithium and copper. The plan is to increase the company’s paid-up capital to ₹500 crore, a fivefold increase from the existing ₹100 crore. At its inception, KABIL had an authorized capital of ₹500 crore and a paid-up capital of ₹100 crore, contributed by the three CPSEs – NALCO (40% equity), HCL (30%), and MECL (30%).
 
Last year, the Union Ministry of Mines released a list of 30 Critical Minerals for India. This included lithium, copper, cobalt, and graphite, essential for various high-tech and clean energy applications. The Ministry of Mines has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for possible exploration tie-ups and mine acquisitions, including government-to-government (G2G) collaborations in at least eight African nations. 
 
In addition to exploring key lithium sourcing nations in South America and Australia, India is also considering tapping into Sri Lanka for graphite, a key mineral for EV batteries.
 
India’s current lithium imports, including lithium-ion, oxides, and other categories, have been estimated at ₹25,074 crore, a 4% increase from ₹24,144 crore in FY23. Potash imports (caustic potash and caustic soda) reached around ₹1,284 crore, a 2% rise, while titanium ore imports surged by 29%. Nickel imports, including ores, concentrates, oxides, sulphates, and compounds, increased by 24% to ₹991 crore.
 
KABIL’s strategic initiatives in Argentina, Australia, and Chile are pivotal for securing a sustainable and resilient supply of critical minerals for India’s burgeoning industries. With the support of international partnerships and increased financial backing, KABIL is well-positioned to play a crucial role in the global minerals sector, ensuring that India can meet its growing demand for essential resources in the coming years. (India News Network)

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Chile becomes 95th member of International Solar Alliance

The ISA is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries that aims to reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels…reports Asian Lite News

Chile became the new entrant in the International Solar Alliance becoming its 95th member, the Ministry of External Affairs informed on Monday.

Chile was handed over the ISA instrument during the meeting of Chilean Ambassador Juan Angulo and the Ministry of External Affairs, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy) Abhishek Singh.

“Chile handed over the Instrument of @isolaralliance. Ratification during the meeting of Ambassador Juan Angulo of Chile with JS (Economic Diplomacy) Abhishek Singh in New Delhi today,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The ISA is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries that aims to reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels.

It was conceived as a joint effort by India and France. Currently, 116 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement,

“The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries,” the ISA website reads.

Meanwhile, the sixth assembly of the International Solar Alliance was hosted at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on October 31.

The event was presided over by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh in his capacity as the President of the ISA Assembly.

The ministers from 20 countries and delegates from across 116 Member and Signatory countries participated in the Assembly and multiple projects were inaugurated during the event.

Earlier in October, ISA Director General Ajay Mathur said that the investment in solar is expected to be 380 billion dollars this year as last year witnessed an investment of 310 billion. He also said that the ISA is supporting the growth of 9.5 GW of solar energy in projects across the world. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Colombia, Chile Recall Israel Envoys

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Colombia, Chile Recall Israel Envoys

The Colombian Foreign Ministry said that the government expresses its strongest rejection of the actions of the Israeli security forces in Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

Colombia and Chile have brought back their own ambassadors from Israel due to the Israeli nation’s military actions in Gaza during the ongoing conflict with the Hamas militant group.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said: “I have decided to call our ambassador in Israel for consultation. If Israel does not stop the massacre of the Palestinian people, we cannot be there.”

In a statement late Tuesday, the Colombian Foreign Ministry said that the government expresses its strongest rejection of the actions of the Israeli security forces in Gaza, and reiterates the urgency of a ceasefire and the obligation that Israel’s security forces have to observe international humanitarian law, reports Xinhua news agency.

“The full recognition of the two States by all nations of the world and dialogue between the parties should bring peace to the region,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Chilean Foreign Ministry said its decision to recall the envoy to Israel for consultations was over the country’s “violation of international humanitarian law” in the Gaza Strip.

“Chile strongly condemns and observes with great concern that these military operations, which at this point in their development involve collective punishment of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza, do not respect fundamental norms of International Law, as demonstrated by the more than eight thousand civilian victims, mostly women and childrent,” the Ministry said.

Chile’s presidency called for “an immediate end to the hostilities” in order to “deploy a humanitarian support operation to help the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people and civilian victims”, it added.

Colombia and Chile’s moves came just hours after Bolivia broke off diplomatic relations with Israel.

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Cabinet approves India-Chile agriculture deal

Under the MoU, a Chile-India Agricultural Working Group will be constituted which will be responsible for the supervision, review and assessment..reports Asian Lite News

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Chile for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.

It provides for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur briefed the media about the cabinet decisions.

Under the MoU, a Chile-India Agricultural Working Group will be constituted which will be responsible for the supervision, review and assessment of the implementation of the MoU as well as for establishing frequent communication and coordination.

The meetings of the Agricultural Working Group will be held once a year alternatively in Chile and India.

“The main areas of cooperation envisaged are agricultural policies for the development of modern agriculture, organic agriculture to facilitate the bilateral trade of organic products, promoting exchange of policies aimed to develop organic production in both countries…science and innovation to explore partnerships to promote innovation in the agricultural sector among Indian Institutes and Chilean institutes as well as collaborate to confront common challenges,” an official release said.

The MoU shall enter into force upon its signature and shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of execution after which it shall be automatically renewed for a further period of five years.

India-SA MoU

The Union Cabinet also approved the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the India and Republic of South Africa for cooperation in the ‘disability sector’.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Wednesday said that the bilateral MoU would encourage cooperation between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Government of India and South Africa through joint initiatives in the disability sector. “Specific proposals for cooperation between the two countries, as mutually agreed upon, will be taken up for implementation during the period of validity of the Memorandum of Understanding,” the ministry said.

It envisages that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at the large and the ageing population in both countries who especially require modern, scientific, durable, cost-effective aids and assistive devices will be benefitted from this MoU.

The decision by the Union Cabinet will also strengthen bilateral ties between India and South Africa, it added.

Notably, India and South Africa share a long historical link and relations in the context of the struggle for freedom and justice from the time Mahatma Gandhi started the Satyagraha Movement in South Africa over a century ago.

India was also at the forefront of the international community in its support of the anti-apartheid movement. Post-independence, diplomatic relations with South Africa was restored in 1993 and thereafter, India and South Africa established a strategic partnership in March 1997.

Subsequently, there has been the consolidation of our close and friendly ties with South Africa, both bilaterally and through BRICS, IBSA and other forums. A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded between the two countries in diverse areas ranging from economic and commercial cooperation, defence, culture, health, human settlements, public administration and science and technology.

India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) has been a useful medium for promoting cooperation in human resource development. Bilateral cooperation between India and South Africa in combating COVID-19 pandemic and addressing other global challenges has been notable. (ANI)

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Indian women’s hockey team triumphs over Chile 3-1

FIH Nations Cup: Indian women's hockey team triumph over Chile 3-1 (Credit : Hockey India)

Her goal gave India the edge over Chile as they went on to build on this momentum in the following minutes of the match. They played with good speed in their attack, putting Chile’s defence under the pump…reports Asian Lite News

Hoping to make it back into the Pro League, the Indian women’s hockey team made a winning start in their campaign to win the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022 by registering a dominant 3-1 win against Chile here on a cold Sunday afternoon.

Sangita Kumari (3′), Sonika (11′) and Navneet Kaur (32′) scored the goals for India while Fernanda Villagran (44′) scored Chile’s lone goal. India is hoping to win the title as the winner will be promoted to the next season of the FIH Pro League.

The ace goalkeeper Savita-led Indian women’s hockey team got off the blocks to a fine start in the first quarter, making their intent on their opponents very clear. They played with good structure and rotated the ball with precision to find gaps in the Chilean circle early in the game.

Their efforts paid off, with in-form Sangita Kumari finding the net in the 3rd minute of the game. It was experienced forward Vandana Katariya, who set up the goal with a brilliant tackle into the right flank and pushed the ball to Sangita, who made no mistake in putting it past the Chilean goalie.

Her goal gave India the edge over Chile as they went on to build on this momentum in the following minutes of the match. They played with good speed in their attack, putting Chile’s defence under the pump.

India extended their lead to 2-0 in the 11th minute when Sangita set up Sonika with a fine assist to convert the goal. Sonika, who was positioned on the left flank, found a perfect deflection, giving India a solid lead. Sonika was awarded player of the match for her impressive effort in Sunday’s match, according to a report in the Hockey India website.

After a goalless second quarter, India started the third quarter on an attacking note. This time, it was Neha Goyal, who created the scoring opportunity when she picked up an aerial pass and assisted Navneet to score India’s third goal. This 32nd-minute goal gave India a good cushion in the second half of the match.

India’s defence in the meantime held sway without conceding any goals. Chile, however, did manage to slip one in, in the 44th minute through penalty corner via Fernanda Villagran. The final quarter saw India make some amends for the defensive error that led to a PC goal.

They created some fine scoring opportunities in the D, with some skillful play by Vandana, Sangita and Navneet. But Chile’s goalie Natalia Salvador did a fine job to keep Indian attackers from scoring, thus ending the match with a 3-1 scoreline.

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Chile Turns Left

Gabriel Boric is the candidate of Approve Dignity, a left-wing coalition that includes the Broad Front coalition and the Communist Party of Chile….reports Asian Lite News

Leftist candidate Gabriel Boric won the Chilean presidential election, after his rival, right-wing politician Jose Antonio Kast, conceded, making him the youngest elected leader in the country’s history.

At 35-years-old, Boric will also become one of the world’s youngest political leaders.

He received 55.87 per cent of the votes cast on Sunday, while Kast garnered 44.13 per cent, Xinhua news agency quoted the Electoral Service of Chile as saying in a statement.

“I congratulated him on his great triumph. From today, he is the elected president of Chile and deserves all our respect and constructive collaboration,” Kast wrote on Twitter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA57MeZqEyk

Kast had won the first round of the presidential election on November 21 with 27.9 per cent of the vote and a little more than 146,000 ballots of difference.

Outgoing President Sebastian Pinera, in a phone conversation with the President-elect, said that he is sure Boric will deliver “the best of himself”.

“We all hope that you will create a very good government for Chile and for Chileans,” Pinera said.

The President said that more than 8 million people voted in the election, one of the highest numbers in the country’s history.

For this election, 14,959,956 people are eligible to vote, while 71,018 people are registered abroad, for a total of 15,030,974 voters.

Voters register to cast their ballots at a voting center in Santiago, Chile, Pic credits IANS

Boric said in the phone conversation that he will be the President “of all Chileans”, adding that he will do his best to tackle any challenges.

Boric is a deputy from the southern region of Magallanes.

He is the candidate of Approve Dignity, a left-wing coalition that includes the Broad Front coalition and the Communist Party of Chile.

A former student protest leader, he backed the mass demonstrations against inequality and alleged corruption that rocked Chile in 2019 and 2020, reports the BBC.

According to the UN, Chile has one of the world’s largest income gaps, with 1 per cent of the population owning 25 per cent of the country’s wealth.

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