Ecuador – India: Fostering Friendship, Fueling Progress

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    1. India and Ecuador formally established diplomatic relations in 1969, marking the beginning of their bilateral engagement. Ecuador initially opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 1973; however, it was closed just a few years later in 1977. The Embassy briefly resumed operations during 1984–85, but it wasn’t until 2005 that Ecuador reestablished a full-fledged diplomatic mission in India. Since then, the Embassy in New Delhi has been continuously operational, serving as the cornerstone of Ecuador’s diplomatic presence in the country.

     

    1. Memorandum of Understanding for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) signed in 2000; five rounds held so far (2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2023). The Sixth meeting for Foreign Office Consultations is scheduled to be held in New Delhi in 2025.

     

    1. Ecuador set up a Consulate General and Proecuador office in Mumbai in 2013.

     

    1. The Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) was launched in 2015, and two meetings have taken place so far, the latest in 2023. The next meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) is scheduled to be held in 2025.

     

    1. A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) feasibility study was concluded in 2019, with both sides reaffirming commitment to this process in 2023.

     

    1. The Embassy of Ecuador celebrated Inti Raymi for the first time in New Delhi, showcasing Andean culture and strengthening cultural diplomacy through rituals, music, and traditional dance.

     

    1. In 2025, Ecuador became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

     

    1. In 2025 India will open a full-fledged embassy in Ecuador, marking a significant expansion of its diplomatic footprint in Latin America.

     

    1. ITEC Cooperation programme: Ecuador has been availing ITEC training slots since 2002, with satisfactory utilization.

     

    1. Visa Facilitation for Indian Citizens: In 2024, Ecuador launched an e-visa portal and reduced visa fees for Indian nationals to simplify the application process and promote tourism and bilateral exchanges.

     

 

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