India and Chile accelerate free-trade talks over critical minerals
India and Chile are ramping up talks to seal a free-trade agreement, with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal slated to travel to Chile for a day from August 24-28, 2026, during a broader Latin America visit.
The main focus? India wants easier access to key minerals like lithium and copper for technology and industry, while Chile is looking for more ways into the Indian market.
Trade between the two countries has jumped from $3.84 billion in 2024 to $5.38 billion in 2025, a big boost thanks to rising exports and gold imports.
Chile seeks trade diversification from China
India needs critical minerals for everything from technology to industry, and Chile is a supplier of these minerals.
Meanwhile, Chile hopes this deal will help it rely less on big buyers like China by expanding its trade partners.
If the free-trade agreement goes through, both countries could see stronger economic ties going forward.