South American nation Colombia is seeking to establish a strategic partnership with India, focused on three major goals: a just energy transition, securing global food production, and joint climate action.
In an exclusive conversation with Financial Express, Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Colombia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined these objectives as both nations explore closer cooperation to address pressing global challenges.
The minister was here for the 10th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi, on October 15, 2024. The Indian side was led by Jaideep Mazumdar Secretary (East).
Collaboration on Energy Transition and Climate Action
One of the main goals of the consultation is the pursuit of a fair energy transition. “We came to explore the possibility of a strategic partnership based on equitable energy transition, clean energy production, and food security,” Rojas Rodriguez shared in response to a question.
Colombia sees India’s leadership in renewable energy initiatives, particularly the International Solar Alliance (ISA), as a valuable blueprint for their own energy goals. Rojas Rodriguez expressed Colombia’s interest in supporting the ISA, signalling a strong potential for collaboration in solar energy.
According to the visiting Vice Minister Colombia is actively transitioning away from fossil fuels, with clean energy playing a central role in its plans. The Vice Minister emphasized that the country is keen on leveraging India’s experience in solar power to advance its own transition. “The energy partnership with India can be crucial to helping Colombia achieve its clean energy goals.”
Food Security: A Shared Priority
As global food insecurity rises, Colombia is looking to India for collaboration on sustainable food production. Rojas Rodriguez highlighted that food security is an urgent challenge, requiring access to land, technology, and investment. “We want to explore India’s technological support and investment to enhance food production,” he stated, pointing to India’s expertise in agricultural innovation as a key resource. With food production at the heart of global security issues, both nations recognize the potential for technological exchange to increase output and improve resilience in the sector.
Debt-for-Climate Action: A Vision for Global Equity
Responding to questions, Colombia pushed forward its vision of swapping external debt for climate action, a proposal that has gained international attention. Rojas Rodriguez stressed the importance of addressing two of the most pressing global issues: external debt and climate change. He noted that burdened by debt, many countries in the Global South are struggling to make meaningful progress on climate initiatives. “We have asked for India’s backing in our external debt-for-climate action proposal, which President Petro has championed.”
The Vice Minister also raised concerns about ongoing global conflicts, linking the resource drain from wars to missed opportunities in climate action. “While wars persist, the opportunity to tackle climate change is slipping away,” he remarked. For Colombia, debt relief and peaceful global cooperation are key to accelerating efforts to fight climate change and protect natural resources.
Bilateral and Multilateral Ties in Focus
The meeting in New Delhi, led by India’s Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar and Vice Minister Rojas Rodriguez, provided an opportunity to comprehensively review the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Trade, investment, energy, health, pharmaceuticals, and education were among the topics discussed, along with emerging areas of collaboration like renewable energy and defence.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and agreed to deepen engagement in these areas. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing global challenges together.
The talks also touched on Colombia’s potential membership in BRICS, the multilateral grouping currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. “We are analysing and exploring the possibility of joining BRICS,” Rojas Rodriguez noted. He mentioned ongoing discussions between Colombia and key BRICS members, including Brazil and India. While the process is still in the exploratory phase, it underscores Colombia’s interest in enhancing its multilateral relationships.
A Growing Diplomatic Bond
India and Colombia have enjoyed a robust diplomatic relationship for decades, having established formal ties in 1959. Over the years, the relationship has expanded across political, commercial, and cultural fields. The Foreign Office Consultations mechanism, initiated in 1995, continues to serve as a platform for regular dialogue between the two countries.
As the talks concluded, India and Colombia signed an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement, marking a new chapter in cultural collaboration between the two nations. This agreement, signed by Dr L Murugan, India’s Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and Vice Minister Rojas Rodriguez, is expected to foster greater cooperation in the film industry. The deal will enable filmmakers from both countries to collaborate on various aspects of production, facilitating the exchange of creative and technical expertise.
Future Prospects
Colombia’s renewed engagement with India comes at a time when both countries are actively looking to expand their strategic partnerships. From energy transition and climate action to food security and multilateral cooperation, the relationship between the two nations is set to deepen in the years ahead. With India showing openness to further dialogue, Colombia’s vision of a broader strategic partnership could soon become a reality, benefiting not only both countries but the global community as well.
From: financialexpress
Financial News
