New Delhi, India and Ecuador are examining the possibility of strengthening a preferential trade agreement, in addition to agreeing to enhance cooperation in the fields of health care, agriculture and digital technology.
Ways to strengthen bilateral ties were the focus of talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Ecuadorian counterpart Gabriela Somerfeld Rosero this week, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Middle East News Agency said on Saturday that the two-day visit by Foreign Minister Somerfeld and her deputy Alejandro Davalos to India represents a “new chapter” in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In their talks on April 29, Jaishankar and Sommerfeld “underlined their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, trade, investment, digital technology, cultural relations, capacity building and cooperation in multilateral institutions,” the ministry said.
She said that Somerfeld delivered official messages to the Indian side on the occasion of Ecuador’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance.
Jaishankar and Sommerfeld also signed a memorandum of understanding for an Indian grant to help implement “quick impact projects” in Ecuador.
Under this agreement, India will provide grant assistance amounting to Rs $12 crore to Ecuador over five years to implement various social and economic development projects.
“The implementation of these projects in the designated areas will enhance the well-being and quality of life of local communities in Ecuador, and enhance development and public confidence,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
She added that Somerfeld also met with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the two leaders discussed a roadmap for a preferential trade agreement between the two countries.
Discussions also focused on increasing Indian pharmaceutical exports to Ecuador and supply chain partnerships for critical minerals such as copper and gold, she added.
Sommerfeld also met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss strengthening bilateral health cooperation, with a special focus on affordable healthcare solutions and cutting-edge medical systems.
“The discussions focused on establishing an institutional technical mechanism to advance various initiatives, including Ecuador’s recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia to exchange information and enhance regulatory cooperation, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations in the field of medical products,” the agency said.
They also agreed on a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and its counterpart ministry in Ecuador.
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