Fernando Bucheli on India–Ecuador Relations, Trade, Critical Minerals and Renewable Energy
- Peeush Srivastava
- Jun 13
- 6 min read
Ecuador is emerging as a key partner with India in trade, critical minerals, renewable energy, digital innovation, and South-South cooperation. In this exclusive interview, Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, discusses the future of bilateral relations and the opportunities ahead.
As India deepens its engagement with Latin America, Ecuador is emerging as a promising partner in trade, critical minerals, renewable energy, digital innovation, and South-South cooperation. The opening of the Embassy of India in Quito, the recent visit of Ecuador's Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld to New Delhi, and preparations for key bilateral mechanisms signal a relationship that is rapidly gaining strategic and economic significance.
With global supply chains being reshaped, demand for critical minerals rising, and developing economies seeking new avenues of cooperation, India and Ecuador are uniquely positioned to build a partnership that goes beyond traditional diplomacy. From discussions on a potential Preferential Trade Agreement to collaboration in clean energy, digital transformation, healthcare, and investment, the bilateral agenda has never been more ambitious.
In this exclusive conversation with EconomicDiplomacy.in , Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, shares his perspective on the evolving India–Ecuador relationship, opportunities for business and investors, the growing importance of South-South cooperation, and his vision for transforming bilateral ties into a strategic partnership over the coming decade.
Key Excerpts from an Exclusive Interview with Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India:
Q. India and Ecuador have been strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, and renewable energy. How do you assess the current trajectory of India–Ecuador relations?
A. India and Ecuador are currently experiencing the most dynamic period in the history of our bilateral relations. The opening of the Embassy of India in Quito, the increasing frequency of high-level exchanges, and the broadening of cooperation into new areas demonstrate the growing importance both countries attach to the relationship.
A particularly significant milestone was the visit of Ecuador's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriela Sommerfeld, to India in April 2026. During her meetings with Indian counterparts, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, health, renewable energy, digital transformation, investment, culture, and education. The visit produced concrete initiatives and established a clear roadmap for future engagement.
This positive momentum will continue through two important institutional mechanisms scheduled for this year: the Sixth Round of Political Consultations and the Third Meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). These meetings will allow both governments to identify new opportunities and accelerate cooperation in priority sectors.
Today, India and Ecuador are moving beyond a traditional diplomatic relationship toward a modern partnership built on economic complementarity, innovation, sustainability, and shared development goals.
Q. Discussions around a Preferential Trade Agreement between India and Ecuador have gained momentum. Which sectors do you believe hold the greatest potential for bilateral trade growth?
A. The potential is substantial because our economies complement each other remarkably well. Ecuador offers high-quality agricultural products, seafood, premium cocoa, coffee, timber, and important mineral resources, while India provides advanced capabilities in pharmaceuticals, information technology, manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and industrial development.
The sectors with the greatest potential include:
* Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
* Information technology and digital services
* Renewable energy and green technologies
* Mining and critical minerals
* Agribusiness and food processing
* Automotive manufacturing and electric mobility
* Infrastructure development
* Tourism and audiovisual industries
The forthcoming Third Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting will be an excellent platform to identify practical measures that facilitate trade, encourage investment, and strengthen business-to-business connections. A future Preferential Trade Agreement could become a transformative instrument for bilateral economic relations.
Q. Ecuador is rich in critical minerals and natural resources. How can India and Ecuador collaborate in building resilient supply chains and strategic partnerships in this sector?
A. The global transition toward clean energy and advanced manufacturing has significantly increased the strategic importance of critical minerals.
Ecuador possesses important reserves of copper, gold, silver, and other mineral resources that are essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and modern industrial production. India, as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, requires secure and diversified supply chains to support its industrial ambitions.
Our objective should not be limited to the export of raw materials. We see opportunities for long-term partnerships involving exploration, responsible mining, value addition, technology transfer, environmental sustainability, and workforce development.
Indian companies can contribute expertise, technology, and investment, while Ecuador offers resource potential, legal certainty, and strategic access to regional markets. Together, we can develop resilient and sustainable supply chains that benefit both countries.
Q. India’s digital transformation and Digital Public Infrastructure model have attracted global attention. Is Ecuador looking at possible cooperation with India in fintech, digital governance, or technology innovation?
A. India's Digital Public Infrastructure represents one of the most innovative and successful development models of recent decades. Its achievements in digital identity, digital payments, financial inclusion, and e-governance have attracted worldwide recognition.
Ecuador is interested in learning from India's experience and exploring cooperation in areas such as:
* Digital government services
* Fintech and financial inclusion
* Digital payments
* Artificial intelligence
* Cybersecurity
* Smart agriculture
* Digital health platforms
* Innovation and startup ecosystems
As Ecuador advances its own digital transformation agenda, India stands out as a valuable partner capable of sharing practical experiences and innovative solutions that have already demonstrated success at scale.
Q. Renewable energy and sustainability are becoming central to global economic policy. What opportunities do you see for India and Ecuador to work together in clean energy and climate-related initiatives?
A. Sustainability is becoming a defining feature of international cooperation, and both India and Ecuador are strongly committed to this agenda. Ecuador has considerable potential in hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, and biodiversity conservation. India has established itself as a global leader in renewable energy deployment and climate initiatives.
Our countries are already expanding cooperation in this area. Ecuador recently expressed its commitment to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), both of which offer excellent opportunities for practical collaboration with India.
Potential areas of cooperation include:
* Solar and wind energy projects
* Energy storage technologies
* Green hydrogen
* Climate-resilient infrastructure
* Sustainable agriculture
* Disaster risk reduction
* Biodiversity protection
The transition toward a greener economy offers significant opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth for both nations.
Q. As global trade patterns evolve, how important is South-South cooperation between countries like India and Ecuador in shaping a more balanced global economy?
A. South-South cooperation is increasingly important in today's international environment. Developing countries account for a growing share of global economic activity, innovation, and investment. Yet many international institutions and trade structures still reflect a different era.
India and Ecuador demonstrate how countries from different regions of the Global South can work together based on mutual respect, complementarity, and shared development objectives. Such partnerships help diversify markets, improve economic resilience, facilitate technology transfer, encourage investment, and strengthen the voice of developing nations in global governance.
India's leadership role among emerging economies and Ecuador's active engagement in international cooperation provide a strong basis for advancing this vision.
Q. Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for the India–Ecuador partnership over the next decade?
A. I believe the next decade can be transformational for India–Ecuador relations. My vision is to see both countries evolve into strategic partners connected through trade, investment, innovation, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Over the next ten years, I would like to see:
* Bilateral trade surpassing current levels several times over
* Major Indian investments in strategic sectors of Ecuador
* Strong partnerships in pharmaceuticals and healthcare
* Cooperation in digital transformation and emerging technologies
* Joint initiatives in renewable energy and climate resilience
* Collaboration in critical minerals and industrial value chains
* Expanded academic, scientific, and cultural exchanges
* Greater connectivity between entrepreneurs, innovators, and institutions
India and Ecuador may be geographically distant, but our aspirations are remarkably similar. Both countries believe in democracy, sustainable development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.
I am convinced that the relationship between India and Ecuador will become one of the most promising examples of South-South cooperation in the coming decade. The foundations have already been laid. Now it is time to build upon them and unlock the full potential of this partnership.
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