New old friends

India and Mexico are two multicultural and diverse states, renowned for their customs and traditions that go back for millennia, anchored in the past but with a clear vision for the future. Both countries are relevant economic actors in the 21st century and leaders in creating a new international architecture.

Mexico was the first Latin American country to recognise India after its independence. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1950. Since then, a strong and close relationship has developed on the basis of our many affinities. We share democratic values and are staunch defenders of political plurality; we hold common positions in the global arena as committed promoters of multilateralism, sustainable development, and the reduction of poverty. And we have, over the years, built strong trade and investment ties.

Our privileged relationship has led to a large number of political and economic bilateral agreements, and to a robust and diversified political dialogue in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the  G-20. Bilateral trade, based fundamentally on crude oil and oil-related products, has increased significantly during the past decade. Mexico is the largest Latin American investor in India and also the main destination of Indian capital in the region. Cultural and educational links and scientific and technology cooperation are also important aspects of this interaction.

Our two governments have the promotion of economic growth as an unequivocal priority. And I am convinced that the recent economic and political transformations undertaken by India and Mexico bring new opportunities to boost and elevate the relationship to a new level.

Mexico has gained an unprecedented momentum, having successfully achieved a series of structural reforms aimed at increasing productivity and competitiveness. President Enrique Peña Nieto acknowledged the challenges of the country and unveiled a multi-party political agreement called the Pact for Mexico: a political, economic and social consensus that transcends political differences to enable Congress to pass the reforms necessary to promote democracy and economic growth, as well as to tackle poverty and social inequality. The ultimate goal of this transformative change is to foster inclusive development throughout the country.

This landmark agreement yielded reforms in areas such as the energy industry, labour relations, education, the financial system, telecommunications, economic competition, the political and electoral systems, transparency, the law of injunctions, and public finance. This has been, by all accounts, the most thorough and wide-reaching overhaul of Mexico’s economic and political framework in decades.

During my visit to India, I will have the privilege of co-chairing, along with Indian Minister of External Affairs

Sushma Swaraj, the Sixth India-Mexico Joint Commission. We intend to give a new impetus to this already dynamic relationship, developing an ambitious and innovative agenda that will further strengthen bilateral relations.

India is, and will continue to be in the near future, a close and privileged partner of Mexico.

The writer is secretary of foreign affairs, Mexico