Do you see any major shift taking place in India during your posting in India, that you may wish to talk about?

During my tenure as the Ambassador of Chile to India, I have witnessed several notable shifts and developments in India that are worth highlighting. These changes reflect India’s dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape across various domains, indicating the country’s trajectory toward growth, innovation, and global prominence.

Economic Reforms and Foreign Investment: India has been actively pursuing economic reforms to liberalize its business environment, attract foreign investment, and enhance ease of doing business. The implementation of initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign underscores India’s commitment to fostering a more conducive environment for domestic and international businesses.

India’s push toward renewable energy and sustainable development has been a significant focus during my posting. The country has made substantial strides in promoting renewable energy sources, setting ambitious targets for solar and wind power capacity expansion. India’s commitment to clean energy aligns with Chile’s own efforts in this domain, offering potential for collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

In the other hand, India’s rapid digital transformation and technological innovation have been remarkable. The proliferation of digital infrastructure, e-governance initiatives, and the burgeoning start-up ecosystem exemplify India’s emergence as a global hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. This shift presents opportunities for synergies with Chile’s own aspirations in the tech and innovation space.

India’s deepening engagements with countries across regions, including the Indo-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, have been also notable during my posting. The strengthening of diplomatic ties, trade partnerships, and strategic collaborations underscores India’s proactive approach toward enhancing its global footprint and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

India’s advancements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors have been notable, especially in light of the global health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities, pharmaceutical research and development, and healthcare infrastructure have garnered international attention, presenting opportunities for collaboration in healthcare and pharmaceutical domains.

The deepening of cultural exchanges, educational linkages, and people-to-people ties between India and Chile has been a significant aspect of my experience. The growing interest in Indian culture, art, cuisine, and traditional practices among the Chilean populace, as well as the reciprocal interest in Chilean culture in India, has contributed to fostering greater mutual understanding and appreciation between our two nations.

The major shifts and developments taking place in India during my posting have been multifaceted, encompassing economic, technological, geopolitical, healthcare, and cultural domains. These shifts have underlined India’s emergence as a global player, presenting opportunities for enhanced collaboration and partnership between India and Chile. As the Ambassador of Chile to India, I am committed to facilitating discussions, exchanges, and initiatives that leverage these shifts for the mutual benefit of our two countries.

Please let us know of the recent cultural and business promotion activities carried out by the Chilean Embassy…

The Chilean Embassy in India has been actively engaged in a variety of cultural and business promotion activities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chile and fostering bilateral relations between the two countries. Notably, the promotion of Chilean products in India, like walnuts, cherries, kiwis and other fruits, wine master classes, the participation in several trade fairs and the publication of articles about Chile in several media in India. Also the renowned Chilean folk dance ensemble, BAFOCHI, last year left an indelible mark on the cultural exchange between Chile and India. The ensemble’s vibrant and captivating performances enthralled audiences, serving as a testament to the cultural ties between the two nations. Additionally, the Embassy organized various cultural events, including photo exhibitions, participation in films festivals and performances.