Agra (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday as part of his first State visit to India.
Boric spent about an hour at the historic monument, where an official briefed him on its architectural and historical significance. Earlier in the day, he and his delegation arrived in Uttar Pradesh, receiving a warm welcome at the airport.
Currently on his first State visit to India, President Boric was received in New Delhi on Tuesday by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. His itinerary included a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, followed by extensive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Later in the evening, President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan in his honor.
During her address at the banquet, President Murmu praised Boric as an inspiration for young leaders and acknowledged his political journey.
She remarked, “I am delighted to welcome Chile President Gabriel Boric Font and his delegation on his first State visit to India. This may be your first visit to India, but I have realized from meeting you that you have a deep understanding and interest in India. I hope you have had a very enjoyable time in India so far.”
“I remember excellency, a few years ago, when you were elected as President of Chile, many of us here in India appreciated such a young leader taking on the responsibility of the highest position in your country. I was happy to learn about your political journey from student politics to the presidency. I believe that it is important for more youth to take an interest in active politics. President Boric, you are indeed an inspiration for all young leaders,” she added.
President Boric also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global influence, recognizing his role as a significant geopolitical figure.
“President Modi, you have the status nowadays that you can talk to every leader of the world. You’re supporting Trump, Zelenskyy, the European Union, and the Latin American leaders in Greece or Iran. That is something that no other leader can say now. So you’re a key player in the geopolitical atmosphere nowadays,” he stated.
Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception in India, Boric highlighted how much the country has transformed since the last Chilean state visit 16 years ago.
“I am here for the first time for a State visit… I want to thank you for the warm welcome that we have received here…For the past 16 years, no one from Chile has come here, and in that 16 years, India has changed a lot,” he noted.