India’s crucial Trade Negotiations on Critical Minerals is being negotiated by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce

India’s upcoming trade negotiations with Peru and Chile mark an important step in expanding its economic footprint in Latin America. The India-Peru talks, scheduled for January 2026 in New Delhi, have made substantial progress on crucial areas such as critical minerals, which are vital for India’s technology and green energy sectors. Concurrently, India and Chile have concluded their third round of discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at boosting bilateral trade, investment, and market access. Strengthening engagement with resource-rich Latin American economies supports India’s diversification strategy, reducing dependence on traditional partners and securing supply chains for essential minerals. The Indian delegation in both negotiations is being led by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce and Chief Negotiator for the agreements, underscoring India’s push to forge deeper trade linkages and strategic economic partnerships across emerging global markets.