Technology is another area identified by both governments for greater cooperation. With Indian companies such as Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra already operating in Ecuador, where do you see the greatest possibilities for collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, fintech and digital public infrastructure?

This may ultimately become one of the most transformative areas of our bilateral cooperation.

India has demonstrated that digital technology can operate not only at the level of sophisticated companies, but also at an extraordinary social scale. Its experience with Digital Public Infrastructure, interoperable payment systems and digital public services is particularly relevant for Ecuador.

The objective, of course, would not be to replicate India’s model mechanically. Ecuador has its own institutions, regulatory framework and requirements. The question is how we can adapt relevant technologies, experiences and best practices to our own circumstances.

I see significant opportunities in digital government, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital payments, digital health and public-service platforms. Indian technology companies already operating in Ecuador provide an important foundation, and the next step should be to connect governments, companies, universities and start-ups more systematically.

But I would emphasize that this should be a two-way partnership. Ecuador is not simply a recipient of technology. Ecuadorian companies have also developed innovative digital solutions, particularly for the banking and financial sector, which could find opportunities in the enormous Indian market. This is precisely the type of exchange we would like to encourage: identifying areas where Indian technological capabilities can contribute to Ecuador’s digital transformation, while also opening doors for Ecuadorian innovation and expertise in India.

There is also considerable potential for joint ventures and partnerships between Indian and Ecuadorian technology companies, including solutions that could eventually be deployed in other Latin American markets.

Technology has one additional advantage in our bilateral relationship: it dramatically reduces the obstacle of geography. In the digital economy, Quito and New Delhi are considerably closer than they appear on a map.

And that is why I believe technology can become not simply another sector of cooperation, but one of the principal bridges connecting our two economies in the years ahead.

Ecuador is one of Latin America’s important producers of cacao, shrimp and other agricultural and food products. What can India offer Ecuador in terms of technology, processing, investment and market access to help create greater value on both sides rather than simply increasing the volume of commodity trade?

India can offer much more than a large consumer market. It possesses extensive capabilities in agricultural technology, irrigation, machinery, food processing, cold chains, logistics, biotechnology and research.

Take cacao as an example. Ecuador produces some of the world’s finest cacao. The opportunity is not simply to export more beans; it is to develop premium products, processing, branding and distribution so that a greater proportion of the final value is created within the partnership.

The same principle applies to other agricultural and food products. Better cold-chain technology, processing, logistics and distribution can open new markets and reduce losses. In areas such as aquaculture, where both Ecuador and India are important international producers, there is also scope to exchange experience and technology rather than viewing the relationship exclusively through the lens of market competition.

This is where investment becomes as important as trade. The ideal relationship is one in which Ecuadorian natural and agricultural advantages combine with Indian technology, capital, scale and entrepreneurship to create greater value for both countries.

Beyond trade and investment, India and Ecuador have developed cooperation in culture, education, yoga, Ayurveda and development assistance, including India’s support for Quick Impact Projects. What areas of people-to-people and institutional cooperation would you like to expand most significantly?

This dimension is essential because relations between countries cannot depend only on governments.

India’s ITEC programme is an excellent instrument for capacity building, offering Ecuadorian professionals training in areas ranging from technology and cybersecurity to agriculture, public administration, diplomacy, healthcare and renewable energy. I would like to see Ecuador make even greater use of these opportunities.

Education deserves particular attention. We should encourage more agreements between Ecuadorian and Indian universities, student and faculty exchanges and joint research.

Culture is equally important. In April 2026, we inaugurated the Ecuador Cultural Centre in New Delhi, creating a platform to introduce Indian audiences to Ecuadorian cinema, art, literature, tourism, cacao and biodiversity.

We are also strengthening cooperation in sustainability. Ecuador joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in 2025 and has advanced its engagement with the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance. The Quick Impact Projects framework is another important development because it can allow Indian cooperation to produce visible benefits within Ecuadorian communities.

Ultimately, however, I would like to see more Indians visiting Ecuador and more Ecuadorians discovering India. Diplomacy becomes much stronger when relationships between governments are accompanied by relationships between people.