India and Chile share diplomatic relations since 1948 and have developed a growing strategic partnership anchored in critical minerals, trade, and science cooperation. Chile is the world's largest copper producer and second-largest lithium producer — resources critical to India's energy transition and electric vehicle ambitions. The India-Chile relationship has gained new strategic weight as India diversifies its supply chains for battery materials, and both countries cooperate within the India-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) framework.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Chile actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Approximate figures. Chile exports copper, lithium compounds, and iodine to India; India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, and auto parts.
~$3.5bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
~$1.2bn
India exports to country
~$2.3bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$3.5bnin 2023 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1948, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Chile relations have gained genuine strategic weight driven by India's critical minerals needs and Chile's lithium and copper wealth. Trade is growing, with copper and lithium compounds becoming increasingly important Indian imports. The relationship is expanding beyond trade into science, defence, and multilateral cooperation, supported by India's Act Latin America outreach.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalSantiago
Population19 million
RegionAmericas
Diplomatic tiesSince 1948
Indian diaspora~1,500
ON THIS PAGE
Spot something wrong?
Every page has a suggest-a-correction link. Send a note, ideally with a source.
