PM Modi a Key Global Player, Says Chilean President Boric

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarkable ability to engage with world leaders, stating that Modi is now a "key geopolitical player."

In his remarks at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, he said, "Prime Minister Modi, you have the status nowadays that you can talk to every leader of the world. You're supporting Trump, Zelenskyy, the European Union, and the Latin American leaders in Greece or Iran. That is something that no other leader can say now. So you're a key player in the geopolitical atmosphere nowadays".

He also thanked India for the warm welcome and stated,  "I am here for the first time for a State visit... I want to thank you for the warm welcome that we have received here...for the past 16 years, no one from Chile has come here, and in that 16 years, India has changed a lot."

Upon his arrival, President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday in honor of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font.

Additionally, he mentioned, "Chile aims to strengthen its relationship with India."

"Chile is a country that is connected to the world, and now we want to work on our relationship with India. Today, we have signed several MoUs," he said.

"Chile Aims to Strengthen Ties with India," Says President Boric

He also emphasized the importance of his country’s relationship with India, highlighting their shared dedication to strategic autonomy and mutual cooperation. "Chile is a country that is connected to the world. We do not depend on one special country, but we have relationships with China, with the United States, with the European Union, with the countries from our region, Latin America, with the countries from Asia Pacific, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and now we want to work more deep in our relationships with India and we have given some important steps today," President Boric said.

"As you said in the meeting that we had with Prime Minister Modi in his third mandate, we have subscribed some agreements and MoUs in such important issues as cultural exchange, Antarctic investigation, Chile is the door for the world to Antarctic continent," he added.

PM Modi has invited the Chilean president to India from April 1-5, 2025, to celebrate the 76th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Boric is accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, Mining, Women and Gender Equality, and Cultures, Arts, and Heritage, as well as Members of Parliament, senior officials, and a large business delegation.

Chilean President to Tour Mumbai and Bengaluru

In addition to New Delhi, President Boric will also visit Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This marks his first visit to India. According to the MEA, President Boric and Prime Minister Modi first met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

Upon his arrival at the Air Force Station Palam, he received a warm ceremonial welcome.

On Tuesday, PM Modi also held bilateral talks with President Boric at Hyderabad House. He subsequently met with President Droupadi Murmu, who hosted a banquet in his honor and for his accompanying delegation. India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, also called on President Boric.