PM Modi meets Chilean prez, discusses ways to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, health

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on the sidelines of the G-20 summit here and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in several areas of mutual interests like trade, energy, agriculture and health.

According to the Indian embassy in Chilean capital Santiago, Indian investment in the country amounts to about USD 216.25 million, while Chile's investment in India amounts to USD 150.54 million.

"Delighted to meet President @sebastianpinera. Chile is a valued partner in Latin America. There is a strong potential to deepen partnership in areas such as trade, agriculture, energy, healthcare as well as science and technology. This augurs well for the people of our nations," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

Several Indian companies, including Jindal Steel Works, TCS, Godrej, Dr Reddy's, Seven Pharma, Wipro Technologies, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto and Mahindra & Mahindra, are operating in the Chilean market.

"PM @narendramodi had a good meeting with President of Chile Sebastian Pinera on the sidelines of the #G20Summit. Leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in trade & investment, health, space and people-to-people relationship," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar also tweeted.

Chile has an estimated Indian population of around 3,000, of which approximately 50 per cent have obtained Chilean nationality. The majority of the Indian-origin people in the Latin American country are from the Sindhi community, according to the Indian embassy in Santiago.