Topics Covered in Today's Press Information Bureau Updates (May 31, 2025)
India and Chile Kick Off Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations
The first round of negotiations for the India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) took place in New Delhi in late May 2025, marking a significant step towards deeper economic integration between the two countries. Both sides are actively engaging in virtual discussions in preparation for the second round, expected around July or August 2025.
The CEPA, which builds upon the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and Chile, aims to achieve broader economic integration and cooperation beyond tariff reductions. Key objectives include broadening the scope to include digital services, investment promotion and cooperation, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and critical minerals. The agreement also seeks to enhance bilateral trade and commercial ties to unlock the full potential of India-Chile economic relations, leading to increased employment and sustainable economic growth.
The initiative for the CEPA was accelerated following the Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font’s State Visit to India in April 2025, during which both countries expressed their priority on developing strategic partnerships for enhanced trade. The launch of the CEPA negotiations was welcomed by both nations during the State Visit.
The India-Chile CEPA negotiations are being led by the Indian delegation, headed by Chief Negotiator, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, and the Chilean negotiating team, led by Chief Negotiator, Director for Asia & Oceanic at the Secretariat of International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. Discussions during the round were held across 17 thematic tracks including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Movement of Natural Persons, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Initial Provisions and General Definitions, Core and Institutional Provisions, Final Provisions, Transparency, Dispute Settlement, Economic Cooperation, MSMEs, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Critical and Strategic Minerals Trade & Sustainable Development, Global Value Chains, Investment Promotion & Cooperation, and Intellectual Property Rights.
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, several initiatives are underway to improve public health delivery and literacy rates. The Union Health Minister called for urgent and fast-tracked implementation of health infrastructure projects under PM-ABHIM and the 15th Finance Commission, as only one year remains for effective utilization of the allocated funds. The TB Elimination Initiatives are being implemented in India through various means, including Jan Bhagidari, Leadership Oversight, Strategic Campaign Revisions, Expanded NAAT Testing, and Enhanced Adoption of Nutrition Schemes.
In addition, the ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027, targets adults who can't go to school, with five components - Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. Goa has officially declared itself to be fully literate under the ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, making it the second state of the country to cross the nationally prescribed 95% benchmark for full literacy.
On the healthcare front, S3V Vascular Technologies is set to become the first Indian company to indigenously design and manufacture the complete suite of neuro-intervention devices, including microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retriever systems. This initiative aims to establish a state-of-the-art upstream integrated manufacturing facility for advanced mechanical thrombectomy kits, a life-saving intervention for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.
The initiative also aims to recognize address information management as a foundational public infrastructure-vital for effective governance, inclusive service delivery, and enhanced user experience. This is exemplified by the DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address), a national policy framework for creating a standardized, interoperable, and geocoded digital addressing system.
In conclusion, the India-Chile CEPA negotiations are progressing, with both nations committed to achieving a comprehensive, mutually beneficial agreement that will strengthen global value chains and diversify trade strategies. Meanwhile, domestic initiatives are underway to improve public health delivery and literacy rates, with the aim of creating a more inclusive and prosperous India.
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