New Delhi, Dec 22: Observing that India's relations
with Latin America are at an "unprecedented high", Minister
of State for External Affairs Digvijay Singh today said many
significant breakthroughs have been made in enhancing
cooperation in diversified fields.
Addressing a meeting of the Consultative Committee of his
ministry, Singh said India has conveyed its interest in
railway projects in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and
other countries in the region.
The focus of efforts has been to expand political
contacts, build trade and economic linkages, improve
connectivity and create institutional linkages with various
regional groupings.
He said New Delhi has also given importance in harnessing
significant achievements among countries of Latin America in
the field of science and technology, defence and civil
aviation. Countries where the Indian diaspora is present in a
significant number is being given special attention.
Singh said the highlight of India's interaction with
Latin America has been relations with Brazil, the largest
among such countries. He also spoke of the new India-Brazil-
South Africa initiative for further consolidating ties among
them.
India has signed a framework agreement with the Market of
Southern Cone Countries (Mercosur) and working on similar
agreements with the association of Caribbean states and the
Rio Group Troika.
Bureau Report
