India, Ecuador explore Preferential Trade Agreement

India and Ecuador have initiated discussions on a possible Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), with a focus on boosting trade, pharmaceuticals and critical mineral cooperation, as Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero concluded a two-day visit to New Delhi.

During talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, both sides explored a roadmap for a PTA and ways to scale up Indian pharmaceutical exports to Ecuador. Discussions also centred on strengthening supply chain partnerships for key minerals such as copper and gold, seen as critical for emerging industries and energy transitions.

The trade-focused engagement formed a key pillar of the visit, which marked a fresh push to deepen India-Ecuador ties across sectors.

Sommerfeld also held wide-ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, digital technology, cultural exchanges, capacity building and multilateral platforms.

In a notable development, Ecuador formally conveyed its decision to join the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, aligning with India-backed global initiatives on climate action and biodiversity.

The two countries also signed an MoU under which India will provide grant assistance of up to Rs 12 crore over five years for Quick Impact Projects in Ecuador, aimed at supporting socio-economic development and community welfare.

In the health sector, Sommerfeld met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss affordable healthcare solutions and regulatory cooperation, including Ecuador’s consideration of recognising the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Both sides agreed to work towards an MoU on health cooperation.

Highlighting interest in India’s public welfare models, the Ecuadorian minister visited a Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to study low-cost medicine distribution systems, with a view to replicating similar mechanisms back home.

She also explored India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, including UPI-like payment systems, Direct Benefit Transfers and digital identity frameworks such as Aadhaar, along with potential collaboration in artificial intelligence.

Sommerfeld paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, engaged with Indian industry representatives and inaugurated Ecuador’s Cultural Center in the capital.

The visit follows the opening of India’s resident embassy in Quito in November 2025, underscoring growing momentum in bilateral ties as New Delhi steps up engagement with Latin America.