Chennai, India and Chile are working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to deepen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, a top official has said.

Noting that bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded USD 5.6 billion in 2025, Chile Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo M, said Tamil Nadu's core strengths in automobiles, engineering, IT, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, ports and logistics offer significant opportunities for collaboration with Chilean businesses and institutions.

Angulo was speaking at an event on Monday marking the 216th anniversary of Chile's independence here.

A reception was hosted by Honorary Consul of Chile in Chennai Sunita Shahaney.

"Bilateral trade between Chile and India exceeded USD 5.6 billion in 2025, reflecting the growing importance of the partnership. The two countries are also working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement intended to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation," Angulo said.

The event brought together representatives of government, the diplomatic and consular corps, business and industry, academia, culture and the media, along with friends of Chile from Chennai and across southern India.

Sunita Shahaney's 27 years of distinguished service as Honorary Consul of Chile in Chennai was recognised on the occasion.

Appointed on 28 April 1999, Shahaney has worked with seven Chilean Ambassadors and has played an important role in strengthening that country's engagement with southern India. Her contributions included supporting high-level diplomatic and parliamentary visits, promoting bilateral business connections, organising Chilean National Day celebrations and presenting Chilean cinema, wines, fruits and culture to audiences in Chennai.

Among the notable milestones of her tenure was the state visit of President Michelle Bachelet to Chennai in March 2009.

Lauding her, Ambassador Angulo acknowledged her loyalty, warmth and sustained commitment to Chile and described her as a trusted bridge between Chile, Chennai and southern India whose work has strengthened diplomatic, commercial, cultural and people-to-people relations.

Responding, Shahaney said she would remain committed to strengthening the bonds between Chile and India and bring the people of the two countries even closer.