India–Latin America Relations || Lithium Triangle, MERCOSUR & Global South || UPSC Current Affairs

Описание: In this video, we cover India–Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Relations, a highly important topic for UPSC IAS, Polity, International Relations, and Current Affairs 2025. India’s ties with Latin America and the Caribbean have grown significantly in recent years, driven by energy security, food imports, lithium & critical minerals, trade diversification, and South–South cooperation.

🌍 Why in the News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He was conferred the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, extended OCI cards to the sixth-generation Indian diaspora, and highlighted LAC as a key partner in the Global South.

⚔️ Strategic Importance of India–LAC Relations

Defence & Security: India and Brazil hold Joint Defence Committee meetings and launched a 2+2 Political-Military Dialogue. Maritime and cyber cooperation are expanding.

Lithium Triangle (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia): Holds 75% of global reserves. India’s KABIL signed agreements for lithium mining in Argentina, crucial for EVs, batteries, and green transition.

Energy Security: India imports crude oil from Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil. Also collaborating on biofuels and ethanol projects via the Biofuture Platform.

Food Security: Argentina is a top supplier of soybean oil, pulses, and sugar to India.

Trade: India–LAC trade reached USD 35.7 billion (2023–24). India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, IT services; imports crude oil, copper, gold, and agricultural products.

MERCOSUR: India already has a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, with scope to expand to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

💡 Caribbean Engagement
India extended a $140 million Line of Credit to CARICOM for renewable energy and climate resilience projects. Caribbean nations see India as a partner in fighting climate change and ensuring energy security.

🤝 Multilateral Cooperation

BRICS: With Brazil

IBSA Dialogue Forum: With Brazil & South Africa

G4 (UNSC Reform): With Brazil, pushing for permanent seats

CELAC, CARICOM, SICA, MERCOSUR: India’s active engagement in regional blocs

⚠️ Challenges in India–LAC Relations

China Factor: China’s trade with LAC has grown 35 times since 2000, dominating mining, infrastructure, and energy.

Weak Regional Integration: MERCOSUR faces internal divisions.

High Connectivity Costs: Limited direct shipping routes and air links.

Language Barrier: Spanish & Portuguese dominate, limiting India’s outreach.

Diaspora Limitation: Indian diaspora is weak beyond the Caribbean, reducing cultural influence.

🚀 Way Forward

Political Engagement: Institutionalise high-level dialogues.

Economic Integration: Expand MERCOSUR PTA into an FTA.

Connectivity: Direct air and shipping routes to cut costs.

Technology & Renewable Energy: Combine India’s IT strengths with Latin America’s resources.

Private Sector Role: Encourage startups, MSMEs, and investment missions.