PM Modi, Bolivian President Forge New Frontiers in Strategic and Trade Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bolivia across multiple strategic and economic sectors.

Expanding Critical Minerals Collaboration

The leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in the critical minerals sector, including lithium and other minerals vital for renewable energy and technology. They recognized the importance of sustainable mineral partnerships and agreed on frameworks to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint exploration.

Boosting Trade, Investment and SME Development

A key outcome of the meeting was the commitment to diversified trade and investment linkages, especially encouraging Bolivian participation in Indian markets and vice versa. The partnership will also support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries, including trade facilitation, regulatory alignment, training, and capacity building.

Digital Public Infrastructure and UPI Integration

Modi and Arce welcomed collaboration on Digital Public Infrastructure, including the potential adoption of India’s UPI digital payments system in Bolivia. This initiative is expected to enhance financial inclusion, ease cross-border transactions, and deepen economic connectivity.

Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Traditional Medicine

The discussions covered health and pharmaceuticals, with both nations exploring exchanges in drug regulation, supply chain linkages, and traditional medicine systems. India expressed willingness to support Bolivia’s capacity through training and joint pharmaceutical initiatives.

Cooperation in Space and Technology

Space cooperation featured prominently, with ministers confirming interest in satellite communications and remote‑sensing applications. The collaboration builds on an existing MoU between ISRO and Bolivia’s space agency, indicating ongoing joint efforts in space technology deployment.

Development Programmes and Emerging Initiatives

Both leaders praised current cooperation under Quick Impact Projects and ITEC scholarships, underlining India’s support for capacity-building in Bolivia. Modi also extended condolences for recent flooding in Bolivia and congratulated the country on its upcoming bicentennial celebration and its accession to the International Solar Alliance.

---

The bilateral meeting reflects a shared ambition to elevate India–Bolivia ties from diplomatic goodwill to a multifaceted strategic partnership that spans minerals, technology, finance, health, and space.