For the last few years the race for the Arctic circle has been heating up as global powers have their eyes fixed on the vast largely untapped resources of the circle. However now some nations are looking at the Antarctic as well.
In a recent visit the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the countries relations with Chile to the next level. Chile is considered an Antarctic nation and many countries are now vying for its strategic position as a huge asset to explore the riches of the Antarctic.
Meanwhile Modi has further stated that India is willing to share its expertise with Chile in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, railways, and space technology. He noted the strategic importance of Chile as a gateway to Antarctica and welcomed the letter of intent signed between the two countries to enhance cooperation in this crucial region.
Discussing Antarctica, Chile President Gabriel Boric emphasised Chile’s strategic position and invited PM Modi to collaborate on research and exploration. “Chile considers Antarctica as one of its most important issues. It serves as a gateway to Antarctica, and we have invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Antarctica. We have signed a cooperation deal in the area of exploration, covering major areas where we can work together with India regarding Antarctica,” he said.
Global Cooperation
As part of the visit, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged, including agreements on Antarctica cooperation, cultural exchange programmes, and disaster management. The leaders expressed confidence that the agreements signed would pave the way for deeper engagement between the two nations. “We are initiating a visit that will bring about significant decisions in the future.
We will be staying in Agra, Bangalore, and Mumbai with various agendas. We are here with major authorities, parliamentarians, scientists, innovators, startups, students, professors, and practitioners of yoga and Ayurveda,” Boric stated. He concluded by thanking PM Modi for his leadership in strengthening South- South cooperation and reinforcing bilateral engagements.
At the global level, both leaders agreed on the need to resolve conflicts through dialogue and called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other global institutions to effectively address contemporary challenges.
“India and Chile agree that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through dialogue. We agree that reforms in the United Nations Security Council and other institutions are necessary to face global challenges. Together, we will continue to contribute to global peace and stability,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister revealed that both sides have directed their teams to initiate discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which is expected to further boost trade ties. He also emphasised the significance of collaboration in critical minerals, resilient supply and value chains, and agricultural cooperation to ensure food security.
Highlighting cultural ties, PM Modi lauded Chile’s decision to adopt November 4 as National Yoga Day, calling it an “inspiring” gesture. He also emphasised the importance of traditional medicine, Ayurveda, and defence cooperation, pointing out that both nations are working towards enhancing industrial manufacturing and supply chains in the defence sector.
Drawing attention to the deep-rooted connections between India and Chile, the Prime Minister also highlighted the geographical and cultural similarities between the two nations, citing the Himalayas of India and the Andes mountains of Chile as example.
He underscored the importance of strengthening commercial ties, investments, and critical mineral cooperation, which are essential to addressing global climate change challenges. Boric highlighted cultural exchanges between the two nations and Chile’s efforts to attract Bollywood to its film industry.
