India and Chile face hurdles in critical minerals talks under CEPA

India and Chile are struggling to resolve key differences in their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) talks, with a year-end deadline approaching. India is seeking preferential access to critical minerals, particularly copper and lithium, which are essential for battery and renewable energy sectors.

Chile, the world's largest copper producer, prefers focusing on supply-chain cooperation and value-added exports rather than granting preferential access. The divergence in priorities has become a critical hurdle in finalizing the bilateral trade pact.