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International
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to Begin Three‑Country South America Trade Tour on Aug 24
✍️ NDTV Profit
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 07:52 AM
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Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal will start a three‑nation visit to South America on August 24, aimed at strengthening trade and investment links.
New Delhi – Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is scheduled to embark on a diplomatic trade mission covering three South American nations beginning on August 24. The visit forms part of the government's broader effort to diversify export markets and attract foreign investment from the region.
During the tour, Agrawal is expected to hold discussions with senior officials, business chambers and potential investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technology. The delegation will also review existing bilateral agreements and seek to negotiate new frameworks that could boost bilateral trade volumes.
The trip underscores India's strategic push to deepen economic ties with emerging markets in South America, complementing similar outreach initiatives in Africa and Southeast Asia. Officials say the outcomes of the visit will be reported to the Cabinet for possible policy actions.
The itinerary, while not fully disclosed, will involve meetings in capital cities of the three selected countries, with a focus on sectors where Indian exporters have competitive advantages. The mission aims to lay the groundwork for future trade delegations and joint ventures.
The South America tour marks the first high‑level commerce engagement of its kind since the government announced its ‘Act East, Connect South’ trade outreach program earlier this year.
During the tour, Agrawal is expected to hold discussions with senior officials, business chambers and potential investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and information technology. The delegation will also review existing bilateral agreements and seek to negotiate new frameworks that could boost bilateral trade volumes.
The trip underscores India's strategic push to deepen economic ties with emerging markets in South America, complementing similar outreach initiatives in Africa and Southeast Asia. Officials say the outcomes of the visit will be reported to the Cabinet for possible policy actions.
The itinerary, while not fully disclosed, will involve meetings in capital cities of the three selected countries, with a focus on sectors where Indian exporters have competitive advantages. The mission aims to lay the groundwork for future trade delegations and joint ventures.
The South America tour marks the first high‑level commerce engagement of its kind since the government announced its ‘Act East, Connect South’ trade outreach program earlier this year.