India ramps up South America trade as Rajesh Agrawal visits
India is ramping up trade with South American nations, mainly Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, to diversify exports and build stronger economic ties.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is heading to Argentina and Brazil from August 24-28, 2026, to lead key talks and work on a new trade deal, a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), with Chile.
CEPA to upgrade 2006 pact
The new CEPA aims to upgrade the old 2006 trade pact by adding things like digital services, MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), and critical minerals.
India is also looking at expanding its deal with Mercosur (the South American trading bloc) and discussing a sugar trade dispute with Brazil at the World Trade Organization (WTO), so there is a lot happening on the international business front right now.