Will work closely with South America in international fora: Modi

Says there is a growing presence of Indian investors in the region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India will work closely with South America in international fora.

"I assure you that India will work more closely with South America than ever before. At the bilateral level, as a BRICS member, in the G-77, as well as other international forums," Modi said at BRICS meeting with South American leaders.

Asserting that there is a growing presence, of Indian investors in South America, Modi said: "It is, however, still well below potential. From hydrocarbons to pharma, textiles to leather, engineering goods to automobiles; the range of opportunities is enormous. We must utilize, the Preferential Trade Agreement between India and the MERCOSUR Trade Block, and Chile, more effectively."

Stating that almost 250 students from South America have been taking courses in India every year under our International Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program," Modi said: "I, however, believe that this is not enough. We intend to substantially increase the same."

He further said that to share India's expertise in information technology, New Delhi will establish centers of excellence in information technology, in South American countries.

"India also offers to expand cooperation, in areas like tele-medicine, tele-education and e-Governance," he said.