Kananaskis (Canada): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on June 17 “strengthened” the relationship between the two countries of the Global South and explored ways to expand cooperation during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit at this Canadian town.

President Sheinbaum stated on the social media platform X that during the meeting, “we strengthened our relationship.” She emphasized that “investments in scientific and technological development” are central to this cooperation, according to her X post in Spanish.

Prime Minister Modi, also posting on X, said, “We both see immense potential in India-Mexico ties growing even stronger in the times to come, especially in sectors like agriculture, semiconductors, critical minerals, healthcare, and more. We also talked about ways to enhance people-to-people ties.”

Describing the interaction as a “good meeting,” he added that he “personally congratulated her on her historic electoral win, becoming the first female Mexican President in two centuries.”

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also shared on X that the two leaders “discussed avenues to further deepen India-Mexico cooperation in trade, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, digital innovation,” and “shared perspectives on key global and regional issues, including priorities of the Global South.”

This marked the first official meeting between PM Modi and President Sheinbaum, who was elected last year. PM Modi also posted that he met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

India-Mexico relations received a major boost in 2016 when PM Modi visited Mexico and the two countries elevated their diplomatic ties from a “Privileged Partnership” to a “Strategic Partnership.”

Discussions between PM Modi and President Sheinbaum gave prominence to expanding opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, where India is well-positioned to supply and produce affordable, high-quality medicines and products. Collaboration in agriculture and holistic health also featured prominently.

Bilateral trade between India and Mexico reached $8.6 billion in 2023. Mexico serves as one of the main trade gateways to Latin America. A significant milestone in science and technology cooperation was achieved with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), during a 2023 visit by Marcelo Ebrard, then Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary.

President Sheinbaum expressed appreciation for India’s advancements in technology, innovation, and digital public infrastructure, and shared her desire for cooperation in these areas. Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of exploring joint efforts in semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technologies, and critical minerals.

The two leaders also noted upcoming engagements between think-tank communities and emphasized the value of growing cultural and people-to-people ties, which could increase tourism between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Sheinbaum to visit India.