New Delhi: Colombian Ambassador to India, Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo, has said that the ongoing tariff dispute triggered by former US President Donald Trump’s trade policies has opened a window of opportunity for new global partnerships, especially between India and Colombia.
Speaking to a news agency, Ambassador Jaramillo acknowledged that high tariffs imposed by the US have negatively affected both nations. “Although this is clearly an issue, it also offers countries like ours the chance to explore differentiated tariff arrangements and form new partnerships,” he said.
He added that the current “trade war will not last forever,” but in the meantime, it enables India and Colombia to deepen collaboration.
Highlighting existing trade ties, he noted that India primarily exports two-wheelers, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals to Colombia, while Colombia supplies oil and thermal coal. “There is huge room for expansion. India has a massive market in Colombia, and Colombia can increase its exports too,” he emphasized.
Jaramillo also underlined Colombia’s strategic geographical advantage—positioned at the northern tip of South America with access to both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. Bogota’s airport, ranked number one in Latin America for passenger and cargo movement, strengthens its role as a regional hub.
He added that Colombia offers political and economic stability, making it attractive for foreign investors. “Even though there are challenges, both our countries can find new opportunities, especially through differential tariff arrangements,” he said, expressing optimism for enhanced trade and investment in the coming years.
