External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has described the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) as an important partner for India in shaping a more representative, balanced and inclusive global order.
Jaishankar made the remarks during the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the high-level session of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He co-chaired the meeting with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin.
The meeting saw participation from all 30 CELAC member states. It was described as the largest-ever CELAC delegation at an India-CELAC ministerial meeting.
Global South Needs a Stronger Voice
Jaishankar said India and CELAC share an interest in strengthening the voice of the Global South in international decision-making.
According to the minister, India sees CELAC as more than a regional grouping. He said the two sides have much to learn from each other and can contribute to each other’s development.
The remarks come amid wider discussions at the UN about reforming international institutions. India has repeatedly called for greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making structures.
Jaishankar said a stronger Global South voice would be important in determining the future direction of the international system.
India-CELAC Trade Crosses $50 Billion
Economic cooperation was another major focus of the meeting. Jaishankar said India-CELAC trade has crossed $50 billion annually.
However, he noted that there remains considerable scope for further growth. He called for greater diversification in trade, investment and business partnerships.
The minister also stressed the need for stronger business-to-business connections. Better connectivity and more predictable market access, he said, could further support economic engagement between India and the CELAC region.
Proposed Trade Agreements With Chile and Peru
India is also pursuing new trade arrangements with countries and regional groups in Latin America.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Chile. He also referred to a proposed Free Trade Agreement with Peru and efforts to expand the Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR.
He said India wants these frameworks to create mutually beneficial opportunities. At the same time, New Delhi remains mindful of the priorities and sensitivities of its partners, according to the minister.
Focus on Technology and Development
Beyond trade, India wants to expand cooperation with CELAC in emerging areas.
Jaishankar identified human resources, digital technology, artificial intelligence and innovation as potential areas for deeper collaboration. He described training and human-resource development as possible bridges between India and CELAC countries.
India also sees complementary strengths between the two regions. New Delhi can contribute technology, pharmaceuticals, skilled manpower and digital capabilities. Meanwhile, CELAC countries have significant opportunities in critical minerals, sustainable energy, agriculture and food resources.
India Highlights Development Cooperation
Jaishankar also spoke about India’s development engagement with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He said India’s Global South engagement extends beyond its immediate national interests and reflects its commitment to shared prosperity. He pointed to development projects, humanitarian assistance, medical support and supplies of medicines as examples of India’s cooperation with countries in the region.
The minister said India has sought to place its capabilities at the service of countries facing development and humanitarian challenges.
Business Summit May Get an Upgrade
Jaishankar also suggested strengthening institutional mechanisms for India-CELAC economic cooperation.
He called for consideration of upgrading the annual India-CELAC Business Summit from next year. Such an initiative could bring different dimensions of the relationship together and provide a broader platform for business and development cooperation.
At the same time, stronger connectivity and private-sector engagement could help expand commercial ties between India and Latin American and Caribbean countries.
India and CELAC Eye Deeper Global South Cooperation
The latest meeting reflects India’s broader effort to strengthen engagement with countries across the Global South.
For India, CELAC offers opportunities for cooperation in trade, technology, development, energy and critical resources. For CELAC members, India brings a large market and capabilities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure and technology.
Jaishankar’s remarks placed this bilateral and regional cooperation within a wider multilateral framework. He said India and CELAC have a shared interest in ensuring that the Global South has a stronger voice in shaping the future international system.