How do you view the recent presidential elections and the re-election of President Daniel Noboa? What impact do you foresee on Ecuador’s domestic and foreign policy, especially regarding India?
The re-election of President Daniel Noboa reflects the Ecuadorian people’s confidence in a forward-looking vision centered on modernization, transparency, and global engagement. His administration has prioritized stability, security, and innovation as pillars of sustainable development. This renewed mandate ensures continuity in our domestic agenda and a consistent approach in foreign policy.
Concerning India, Ecuador reaffirms its strong commitment to deepening strategic ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and influential economies. We view India not only as a rising global power but also as a trusted partner in fields such as technology, renewable energy, education, and trade. Under President Noboa’s leadership, we look forward to expanding our bilateral cooperation—both at the institutional level and through closer ties between our societies.
With this occasion, I would like to express Ecuador’s heartfelt solidarity with the Government and people of India, following the recent terrorist attacks. Ecuador firmly condemns terrorism in all its forms and stands with India with its unwavering pursuit of peace.
2025 marks 56 years of diplomatic relations between Ecuador and India. How do you reflect on this milestone, and what are the key achievements in the bilateral partnership over these decades?
India’s upcoming inauguration of a full-fledged embassy in Ecuador marks a historic milestone in our bilateral relationship. This development reflects not only a deepening of political ties but also a strategic recognition by both countries of the untapped potential in our partnership.
Ecuador is experiencing a period of economic resurgence and actively diversifying its trade and investment alliances. India, as a dynamic and rapidly growing global economy, represents a key partner in this new phase. The bilateral agenda now spans sectors such as agriculture, agri-tech, renewable energy, digital innovation, and education.
With robust trade momentum, active business interests, and growing institutional engagement—including the expected 6th round of political consultations in New Delhi in 2025—we are entering a new era of diplomacy and opportunity. The decision to open the Indian Embassy in Quito signifies a shared commitment to long-term collaboration, founded on mutual respect and shared global priorities.
What is your vision for the future of Ecuador–India relations, particularly in emerging areas like technology, education, and sustainability?
My vision is to transform the Ecuador–India partnership into a dynamic and future-ready collaboration. In the technology sector, Ecuador aims to learn from India’s successful digital public infrastructure and foster bilateral cooperation in innovation and startups. In education, we are working to expand scholarships, academic exchanges, and joint research, particularly in areas like biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. On sustainability, both countries are part of the Global South and share a deep connection with nature: Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, a global symbol of biodiversity, offer a unique setting for joint initiatives in conservation, climate resilience, and clean energy.
Ecuador offers several investment opportunities for Indian business houses. Which sectors are currently most promising, and what incentives does Ecuador provide to foreign investors?
Ecuador offers attractive investment opportunities in rapidly expanding domains of renewable energy, agro-industry, pharmaceuticals, mining, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism. With a dollarized economy, competitive tax incentives, and a legal framework that protects foreign investors, our country provides a stable and welcoming environment for long-term business. Major Indian firms such as TCS, Make MyTrip, CAPLIN, and UPL are already present in Ecuador. We look forward to welcoming more companies like Hero, Mahindra, and Kalpataru, who are currently exploring the market.
Ecuador also offers Special Economic Zones (zonas francas) that provide additional benefits such as tax exemptions, simplified customs procedures, and access to logistics infrastructure—ideal for export-focused industries. Combined with our strategic location on the Pacific coast and increasing connectivity with Asia, Ecuador acts as a natural gateway to South American markets.
Ecuador is globally renowned for its high-quality cacao. What efforts are being made to increase awareness and export of Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate products in India?
Ecuador is not only a global leader in fine aroma cacao but is also the original birthplace of cacao itself. Recent archaeological and genetic research confirms that the domestication of Theobroma cacao originated in the Upper Amazon region of present-day Ecuador, over 5,000 years ago. This establishes cacao as an integral heritage of Ecuador’s ancestral legacy and cultural identity.
We are working actively to not only share this remarkable story but also our exceptional cacao with India. Through promotional campaigns, trade exhibitions, chocolate-tasting sessions, and partnerships with Indian importers and gourmet brands, we aim to increase awareness of Ecuadorian cacao’s origin, purity, and flavor complexity. Our Embassy and Trade Office in Mumbai are facilitating direct connections between Ecuadorian producers and Indian buyers who deeply value authenticity, sustainability, and heritage.
Could you highlight some of the must-visit tourism destinations in Ecuador that Indian travelers should explore?
Ecuador offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure within a compact territory. It is well known that the Galápagos Islands are, undoubtedly, a global treasure for biodiversity lovers. Likewise, the Andean highlands, with cities like Quito and Cuenca, offer colonial heritage and vibrant local traditions. The Amazon rainforest invites travelers to experience ecological richness and indigenous cultures. Along the Pacific coast, pristine beaches and marine sanctuaries await. Guayaquil, our principal port and a dynamic coastal city, offers modern infrastructure, a vibrant riverfront, and serves as a gateway to both the Galápagos and the coastal region. For Indian travelers seeking immersive experiences, spiritual, ecological, and cultural, Ecuador is an unforgettable destination.
What strategic steps is the Embassy of Ecuador taking to promote Ecuador as a tourism destination among Indian travelers?
I arrived here a year ago and since then, our Embassy in India has prioritized the promotion of Ecuador as a high-value tourism destination highlighting our country’s rich offerings. We have organized various travel seminars and have collaborated with Indian influencers, media, and tour operators to position Ecuador as a unique travel getaway. Special emphasis is placed on areas that deeply resonate with Indian travelers, namely, wellness tourism, bird watching, and cultural explorations. We are also encouraging eco-travel and heritage circuits that align well with the Indian market’s growing interest in spiritual and sustainable journeys. Furthermore, in coordination with Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism, we are working relentlessly to make known Ecuador as a boutique, a fine journey’s stop that offers immersive experiences, ideal for the discerning Indian vacationer seeking authenticity, biodiversity, and cultural depth.
What are the current visa facilities and processes available for Indian tourists and business visitors to Ecuador, and are there any upcoming plans to enhance them?
As of July 2025, Ecuador has implemented a centralized electronic visa system designed to make the visa process easier and more efficient for Indian applicants. This digital platform allows faster processing, streamlined document submission, and greater accessibility for both tourists and business travelers.
In addition, the Ecuadorian authorities are currently analyzing new ways to further facilitate the entry of Indian citizens into the country. These efforts aim to enhance tourism, strengthen business engagement, and deepen people-to-people ties between our two nations.
We are confident that these steps will encourage more Indian citizens to explore Ecuador, discover its endless opportunities, and build lasting emotional as well as economic connections in both public and private sectors.
How is the Ecuadorian government encouraging cultural and educational exchanges between India and Ecuador to deepen people-to-people ties?
Cultural and educational exchanges are at the core of our bilateral relationship. Ecuador is vigorously furthering initiatives from academic partnerships and student exchanges to joint research and artistic collaboration with the aim of connecting our societies better from an educational perspective also.
In education, we are encouraging Spanish language learning, fostering cooperation between universities and supporting academic mobility, especially in areas such as biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and innovation. Needless to say, we are deeply grateful to the Government of India for the generous scholarships offered to Ecuadorian professionals through the ITEC program which has contributed significantly to capacity building and knowledge sharing.
On the cultural front, we are showcasing Ecuador’s rich culture and history through music, film, and exhibitions. A key event this year will be Ecuador’s participation in Ecuador: Origin of Cacao, an exhibition to be held at the Museum of the City in Bihar this November. This panorama of photos featuring the Ecuadorian origin of cacao, supported by recent scientific evidence, will be a unique opportunity to present our ancestral legacy to the Indian public and strengthen our cultural diplomacy further.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
To the readers of Envoy Excellency, I extend a warm invitation to explore Ecuador, a land where nature and culture converge and where friendship knows no borders. In today’s world, diplomacy is increasingly shaped by the connections we build beyond official channels: through travel, education, innovation, and shared values.
Though Ecuador and India are separated by oceans, our peoples are united by a deep sense of spirituality, respect for tradition, and a long-term perspective. I encourage you to visit Ecuador, discover our vibrant communities, and become part of a partnership that celebrates peace, diversity, and mutual growth.
¡Bienvenidos a Ecuador! Your home in Latin America!!