New Delhi, June 23: The Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) convened a discussion highlighting a unique opportunity for India and Latin America to transform a long-ignored relationship into a strategic partnership. This is particularly crucial amid rising geopolitical uncertainties, economic fragmentation, and concerns over strategic dependencies that are reshaping global supply chains.
The discussion, titled “India-Latin America: The Unexplored Partnership,” took place on Monday in New Delhi. It featured ambassadors from Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica, along with scholars and experts from the strategic community. Key issues related to India-Latin America relations were addressed.
According to an official statement, the discussion emphasized the need to update the narrative surrounding India-Latin America relations. This is essential to better reflect recent developments and to institutionalize existing channels of engagement across political, economic, strategic, and social domains.
Speakers also stressed the importance of enhancing India’s political presence in Latin America and the Caribbean through high-level meetings and continuous diplomatic outreach.
Attention was drawn to India’s upcoming BRICS presidency and Uruguay’s leadership of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). This presents an opportunity to deepen dialogue and cooperation between both platforms, fostering a more structured India-Latin America partnership.
The statement noted, “India and Latin America are often described as regions where potential remains untapped.” Participants underscored that this potential has yet to be translated into sustained political engagement, institutional cooperation, or diverse commercial partnerships.
The CRF discussion focused on the changing geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape shaping India-Latin America relations. Participants discussed the fragmentation of global trade, the securitization of supply chains, rising protectionism, and the increasing use of economic dependency as a geopolitical tool.
They noted that India and Latin America have reached a stage where their relationship, once relatively underdeveloped and limited, is now characterized by active dialogue and a search for new opportunities. The next phase should emphasize “complementarity,” paving the way for deeper harmony and cooperation between India and the Latin American region.
The statement concluded, “In this context, strong engagement between India and Latin America should not be viewed merely as an alternative to existing partnerships but as a means to promote strategic flexibility, economic resilience, and diversification.”
The discussion also considered China’s extensive economic presence in Latin America and its implications. Participants argued that India should not view Latin America solely through the lens of competition with China. Instead, it should leverage its comparative strengths, including demand-driven cooperation, capacity building, affordable technology, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, and partnerships aligned with local development priorities.
It was emphasized that India could play a crucial role in enhancing the value of local products in Latin America and strengthening domestic economic capabilities.
The presence of Indian companies was highlighted as a notable example, showcasing their strong local identity and contributions beyond traditional trade and investment.
However, the discussion pointed out that to convert potential into outcomes, sustained political attention, stronger institutional private sector participation, and a focus on specific sectors with immediate growth prospects are essential.
Moreover, it was stressed that India-Latin America relations should no longer be seen as a minor aspect of foreign policy. Instead, in this era of geopolitical change and economic uncertainty, this partnership could play a vital role in advancing trade diversification, resource security, technological cooperation, robust supply chains, and a more balanced framework for South-South cooperation.
The statement concluded, “The challenge today is not to recognize the potential of India-Latin America relations but to transform that potential into a sustainable, structured, and mutually beneficial strategic partnership.”
CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi reiterated that the foundation will continue to provide a platform for advancing current efforts and facilitating deeper dialogue, research, and discussions on these relations.
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