India’s pursuit of critical minerals took a major step forward this month. Trade talks with key Latin American partners, Chile and Peru, gained significant traction.

The Commerce Ministry confirmed that the ninth round of India–Peru trade negotiations was held in Lima from 3rd to 5th November. Both sides reported “substantive progress” across key areas. These areas include Trade in Goods and Services, Rules of Origin, and, notably, Critical Minerals. The next round of talks is set for January 2026 in New Delhi.

Similarly, India and Chile wrapped up the third round of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) talks in Santiago from 27th to 30th October. These talks covered crucial areas such as investment, intellectual property, and cooperation on critical minerals.

For the first time, India is proposing a dedicated chapter on critical minerals in its Free Trade Agreements. This move aims at securing long-term access to resources, such as Lithium, Copper, and Molybdenum from Chile. It also aims to secure Gold from Peru. These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies, electronics, and electric vehicles.

With Chile and Peru holding some of the world’s largest reserves of these metals, the FTAs could give India preferential exploration rights and stable pricing. The agreements are key to reducing its dependence on China for mineral supplies.

As global competition for critical resources intensifies amid geopolitical shifts, India’s deeper trade engagement with Latin America signals a strategic pivot. This aims to safeguard its industrial and energy future.

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