H.E. Mr. Fernando Xavier Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador to India
As Ecuador celebrates its 216th Independence Anniversary and marks 56 years of diplomatic ties with India, Diplomatist Magazinesat down with H.E. Mr. Fernando Xavier Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, to reflect on the growing depth of Ecuador–India relations. In this candid conversation, Ambassador Bucheli speaks about shared values, expanding trade and cultural diplomacy, spiritual ties, and the promise of a stronger, people-centered partnership. His vision is not only about political and economic cooperation—but about connecting hearts and cultures across continents.
This celebration is a tribute to the values that shaped our republic: freedom, dignity, and justice. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how far Ecuador has come as a sovereign nation and as a responsible member in the international community.
Under the leadership of President Daniel Noboa, the youngest elected president in our history, Ecuador is entering a new phase of renewal and global engagement, with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and diplomacy.
This year also marks 56 years of diplomatic relations between Ecuador and India. On this important occasion, I wish to express our deep appreciation for this partnership and our sincere admiration for the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, who have placed India at the forefront of the global agenda for peace, development, and innovation. We are proud to strengthen our ties with a country that shares our democratic values and aspirations for a better world.
2. The Government of India has announced the opening of its Embassy in Ecuador this year. What is the significance of this milestone?
The decision to open an Indian Embassy in Ecuador is a historic turning point in our bilateral relationship. It reflects India’s growing interest in Latin America and its recognition of Ecuador as a reliable partner with immense strategic potential. This move will enhance connectivity, trade, people-to-people links, and cultural exchanges. Furthermore, it will also allow both governments to launch more dynamic cooperation initiatives not only in traditional areas but also in innovation, sustainability, and education.
3. What are Ecuador’s key exports to India, and what potential do you see for trade expansion?
Historically, Ecuador has exported petroleum, teak wood, balsa wood, and gold to India. We now aim to diversify our trade portfolio to include value-added products such as premium cocoa, tropical fruits, and processed foods. The 10th India–Latin America and Caribbean Conclave held this past March in New Delhi provided an excellent platform to explore new opportunities in trade and investment. We are committed to building strong bridges between Ecuadorian producers and Indian importers, in both directions, and to strengthening supply chains that are fair, resilient, and sustainable.
4. Cultural diplomacy has become a strong component of Ecuador–India relations. What are some highlights of recent initiatives?
Cultural diplomacy allows us to connect with the soul of each nation. In India, Ecuador has hosted several high-impact events. We inaugurated a photo exhibition on the Galápagos Islands at the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi and celebrated Inti Raymi, our ancestral festival of the Sun, which resonates deeply with Indian spirituality. We also established the Ecuador–India Film Forum under the patronage of Marwah Studios to foster audiovisual cooperation. Later this year, Ecuador will be featured at the Bihar Museum in an exhibition tracing the origins of cacao to our Amazon and coastal regions: a powerful symbol of our identity and a cherished gift to the world.
5. Can you tell us more about Ecuador’s efforts to promote its cacao and agri-food industry in India?
Ecuador is globally recognised as the birthplace of fine aroma cacao. In November, we will organise a cacao tasting and promotional event in New Delhi, with the participation of an Ecuadorian company and the support of the Embassy. Our aim is to showcase Ecuadorian cacao to India’s growing chocolate sector and attract new importers and partners. Additionally, we have begun exporting preserved flowers to India, an elegant and long-lasting alternative that is gaining popularity in high-end décor.
6. What is the role of cooperation in Ecuador–India ties, particularly in education and development?
India’s cooperation has played a valuable role in enhancing capacities in Ecuador. We are grateful for the scholarships offered by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which have benefited professionals in key areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and information technology. We see great promise in promoting academic exchanges, especially in fields such as biodiversity, sustainable development, and innovation.
7. What role can spiritual diplomacy play in international relations?
Spiritual values can offer a powerful common ground between nations. Ecuador admires India’s global leadership in promoting yoga and meditation as pathways to inner peace and community well-being.
A remarkable initiative is the program developed by The Art of Living Foundation to teach yoga and meditation practices to inmates in correctional facilities, an inspiring approach to rehabilitation through compassion and discipline. On the other hand, I personally aspire to support the publication of a Spanish-language edition of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism, compiled under the guidance of the spiritual leader Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, as a tribute to India’s spiritual legacy and a means of reaching Spanish-speaking audiences.
8. What are your goals for the coming year as Ambassador of Ecuador to India?
My goal is to deepen our bilateral ties in a tangible, strategic, and human way. In the coming months, we look forward to holding the VI Political Consultations and the III Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting, two milestones that will boost cooperation across sectors. I also intend to work with public and private stakeholders to facilitate trade, attract investment, and launch new cultural and educational initiatives. Above all, I wish to bring Ecuador closer to India, and India closer to Ecuador, by building trust, respect, and a shared purpose.
To the people of India, I extend a message of warm friendship, solidarity, and shared purpose. Ecuador and India are bound by common values: respect for cultural diversity, a belief in peace, and a vision for sustainable development.
In light of the recent terrorist attacks, Ecuador stands in full solidarity with India. Ecuador strongly condemns these acts of violence and extends its deepest condolences to the victims and their families. These tragic events remind us of the urgent need to work together to ensure peace and security.
President Daniel Noboa is committed to strengthening Ecuador’s ties with strategic partners, and India holds a special place in that vision. We look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and opportunity.
As we move forward together, let us be guided by the lasting wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, a reminder that peace is not merely a dream, but a responsibility we all share.
Closing remarks:
Ecuador and India may be geographically distant, but we are united by shared aspirations and values. As I reflect on my first year as Ambassador in this extraordinary country, I remain strongly optimistic about the future of our bilateral partnership, one grounded in trust, cooperation, and a shared vision of peace and prosperity.
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