Costa Rica's diplomatic relationship with India has been gradually developing since the early 1990s, reflecting a mutual interest in fostering bilateral ties. In the context of the Kashmir dispute, Costa Rica notably supported India's stance at the United Nations during the crucial sessions of 1993 and 1994, reinforcing its position through a decisive vote against a Pakistan-drafted resolution regarding Kashmir at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva in 1994. This early support laid the groundwork for further diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
In 1995, India took a significant step towards strengthening its ties with Costa Rica by appointing an honorary consul in San José. This move was reciprocated in 1996 when Costa Rica established its honorary consulate in New Delhi, signaling the beginning of a formal diplomatic relationship. Although Costa Rica initially planned to open an embassy in India in 1990, this endeavor faced several delays, leading to a prolonged period before the establishment of a full diplomatic mission. The intention was revived, and in 2007, Costa Rica announced its plan to open an embassy in India. The long-awaited embassy in New Delhi finally became operational on April 20, 2010. Until the appointment of the first ambassador in June 2011, the diplomatic mission was represented by a Charge d’Affaires, emphasizing the initial phases of Costa Rican diplomacy in India.
The establishment of embassies not only signifies a formal recognition of diplomatic ties but also enables a platform for deeper cooperation in various sectors, including trade, culture, and environmental issues, which are of mutual interest. In August 2012, India and Costa Rica held their first Foreign Office Consultations, a significant step in bilateral relations that paved the way for discussions on a diverse range of issues. The Indian Embassy in Panama, which holds joint accreditation to Costa Rica, reflects the broader regional collaboration that transcends bilateral frameworks, establishing a network of international relations in Central America. This network enables both countries to work together on strategic initiatives, enhancing their diplomatic footprints on the global stage. Through these engagements, Costa Rica and India have continued to enhance their relationships and explore new avenues for collaboration in various fields, including climate change, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
Visits Between Costa Rica and India
High-level diplomatic visits between Costa Rica and India have played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations. In October 2015, Costa Rica's Vice President, Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, made an official visit to India. This visit signified an important moment in diplomatic ties, as it showcased Costa Rica's commitment to engaging with India on various fronts, including trade, culture, and education. Over the years, several Costa Rican Foreign Ministers and Ministers for Foreign Trade have also visited India since 1997, highlighting an ongoing interest in fostering closer ties with one of the world's largest economies.
On the Indian side, high-level visits to Costa Rica have been primarily represented at the ministerial level, although they have often involved significant figures in the government. For instance, the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, D. Purandareswari, visited Costa Rica in April 2013, focusing on promoting trade links and exploring investment opportunities between the two nations. Moreover, General V.K. Singh (Retd), who served as the Minister of State for External Affairs, undertook a visit in July 2015. These visits reflect India’s intention to deepen its engagement with Latin America, and Costa Rica, in particular, which is known for its stable political environment and commitment to sustainable development.
Overall, these visits have paved the way for a more robust dialogue between Costa Rica and India, indicating mutual interest in collaboration across various sectors such as technology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Both countries continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, as evidenced by ongoing discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties. As they move forward, the foundation laid by these high-level visits will likely serve as a catalyst for deeper integration and partnership.
Bilateral Agreements Overview
The relationship between Costa Rica and India has been strengthened through a series of bilateral agreements aimed at fostering cooperation in various sectors. These agreements, which include Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), are designed to enhance diplomatic exchanges, facilitate foreign office consultations, and promote economic and technical collaboration between the two nations. This strategic partnership highlights both countries' commitment to building robust international ties.
Establishing Technological Foundations
One of the notable initiatives from this collaboration is the establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Costa Rica, which was signed in 2009. This center serves as a platform for advancing technological prowess, enabling knowledge sharing, and developing local IT competencies. By establishing such an institution, both countries aim to leverage their technological strengths to drive innovation, attract investment, and create job opportunities, thereby contributing to Costa Rica's economic development.
Strengthening Diplomatic Training
In addition to technological partnerships, Costa Rica and India have also focused on enhancing diplomatic training through various MoUs signed in March 2015. These agreements were executed between the Foreign Service Institutes of both nations and their respective diplomatic academies. The goal is to facilitate comprehensive training programs for diplomats, focusing on international relations, negotiation strategies, and cultural exchange. By investing in their diplomats' education, both countries aspire to optimize communication and cooperation on the global stage while strengthening bilateral relations.
Future Prospects for Collaboration
The ongoing partnerships and agreements between Costa Rica and India signify a proactive approach to addressing mutual interests and global challenges. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of international relations, the frameworks established through previous agreements provide a strong foundation for future collaborations. By focusing on technology, training, and economic cooperation, Costa Rica and India are well-positioned to explore new avenues of growth and development, thereby enhancing the overall prosperity of both countries.
Bilateral Trade Overview
In 2015, the bilateral trade between Costa Rica and India reached a notable total of US$196.97 million. This figure demonstrates a significant engagement between the two nations, with India's exports to Costa Rica amounting to $134.76 million. This represents a remarkable growth of 40.62% compared to the previous year, indicating a robust interest from India in expanding its market presence in Costa Rica. On the other hand, Costa Rica's exports to India reached $62.21 million, although this figure reflects a sharp decline of 59.94% from the preceding year. This downturn in imports is primarily attributable to the closure of Intel's chip manufacturing facility in San José in 2014, which greatly affected the volume of integrated circuits imported from Costa Rica, with a significant drop of 55% recorded that year.
Key Commodities in Trade
The trade dynamics between India and Costa Rica are characterized by a variety of commodities exchanged between the two nations. India predominantly exports a wide range of products to Costa Rica, including automobiles, pharmaceutical goods, textiles and clothing, motorcycles, organic chemicals, electrical machinery, and miscellaneous products like notebooks, cables, and tyres. This diversity in exports highlights India's strong manufacturing base and its ability to cater to different sectors within the Costa Rican market. Conversely, the major commodities that Costa Rica exports to India include wood and wooden products, integrated circuits and micro assemblies, as well as optical medical or surgical instruments. Other products of lesser significance include nuts, coffee, tea, glass, and glassware, showcasing Costa Rica's rich agricultural produce and unique artisanal craftsmanship.
IT Sector Presence
The presence of Indian IT firms in Costa Rica provides an intriguing aspect of this bilateral relationship. Since 2013, prominent Indian companies such as Infosys, Cognizant, and CSS Corp have established delivery centers in San José. These firms often leverage Costa Rica's strategic position to access the U.S. market while minimizing operational costs. Sunil Mittal, the former CEO of Movate (previously CSS Corp), estimated that serving the U.S. market from Costa Rica yields savings of approximately 15-20%. In addition to cost benefits, the geographical proximity and shared time zone with the United States enhance operational efficiency, making Costa Rica an attractive destination for outsourcing. Furthermore, other Indian tech giants like TCS and Wipro have also established their operations in San José, signaling a growing trend of Indian firms considering Costa Rica a key player in their global delivery models. This trend not only emphasizes the importance of the Indian market for Costa Rican exports but also highlights the growing integration of services and technology between the two countries.
Cultural relations between India and Costa Rica have a rich history, marked by significant contributions from individuals who have dedicated their lives to fostering understanding between the two nations. One such prominent figure is Professor Hilda Chen Apuy, who made an impactful visit to India in the 1950s on a UNESCO scholarship. This experience inspired her to introduce Indian studies into the academic fabric of the University of Costa Rica in San José. Under her guidance, students have had the opportunity to delve into Indian History, Philosophy, and Sanskrit, thus providing a foundational framework for Costa Rican scholars to explore Indian culture and thought more deeply. Hilda’s scholarly work included publishing several articles on various aspects of India, further enriching the intellectual exchange between the two countries.
Another noteworthy event that underscores the connection between India and Costa Rica occurred in September 2008, marking a significant cultural milestone. President Óscar Arias officially launched the Spanish version of Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, an act that not only celebrated the life of one of India’s most revered figures but also highlighted the growing interest in India’s philosophical and ethical teachings within Costa Rican society. Arias, in a further gesture of appreciation for Gandhi's legacy, penned the prologue to the book, reflecting the importance of Gandhian principles in promoting peace and understanding across cultures.
The evolution of cultural exchange continued with the 2017 Costa Rican film "Enredados: La Confusión" ("Entangled: The Confusion"), directed by Ashish R. Mohan, a well-known Bollywood filmmaker. This film was groundbreaking as it became the first Latin American production to incorporate a traditional Bollywood song-and-dance sequence, demonstrating not only the fusion of artistic styles but also the significant influence of Indian cinema on Latin American culture. The film featured Indian actor Prabhakar Sharan, making him the first Indian actor to star in a Latin American film, marking a historic moment in cross-cultural collaboration. This melding of cinematic traditions stands as a testament to the increasing interconnectedness of global cultures, showcasing how storytelling transcends borders and fosters an appreciation for diverse backgrounds.
Foreign Aid Initiatives
India has actively engaged in foreign aid to Costa Rica over the years, with a focus on sustainable development and education. One significant instance occurred in 1997 when India provided ₹1.85 million (approximately US$22,000) worth of photovoltaic equipment to support the establishment of a solar energy research laboratory at the University of Heredia. This initiative was part of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which aims to promote technical cooperation and capacity building among developing countries. Such contributions underscore India's commitment to fostering renewable energy solutions in partner nations.
Additionally, India has extended its assistance to Costa Rica through various humanitarian efforts. For example, in 1996, India provided US$25,000 to aid flood victims. The following year, in 1998, a donation was made to the Costa Rican telecom operator ICE in the form of a telephone exchange, enhancing communication infrastructure in the country. More recently, India donated 18 Bajaj 3-wheelers to the San José Police in December 2005 and allocated $100,000 for relief and rehabilitation efforts after Hurricane Tomas struck in November 2010. These contributions illustrate India's compassionate response to natural disasters and its role in supporting public safety initiatives in Costa Rica.
Strengthening Technological Ties
In an effort to enhance educational collaboration, India and Costa Rica signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2009 to establish the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CETI) in Costa Rica. The Indian government contracted the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and APTECH to oversee the establishment of this centre, which is housed at the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTA) in Alajuela. Following the inauguration of the centre in March 2016, it has served as a vital institution for advancing information technology skills among Costa Rican students and professionals.
In a related initiative emphasizing educational partnerships, a cooperation programme was launched between the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade, the Costa Rican Coalition for Development Initiatives, and India's Infosys. This collaborative effort saw 70 Costa Rican students and teachers participating in a three-month training program at Infosys in Mysore in 2014, deepening their expertise in technology and innovation. Moreover, in March 2017, the Indian government awarded scholarships to four indigenous Costa Rican women from the Gnöbe and Bugle ethnic groups to participate in the Barefoot College Institute's Solar Lighting program in Ajmer, Rajasthan. This program empowers these women with the skills needed to implement solar panel projects, significantly impacting their community at Punta Burica, located at Costa Rica's southernmost point.
Scholarship Opportunities and Cultural Exchange
Furthermore, Costa Rican citizens have the opportunity to apply for scholarships under programmes like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. These scholarships facilitate educational exchanges and enable Costa Rican students to gain valuable knowledge and expertise in various fields. Such initiatives are essential for enhancing cultural ties between the two nations, fostering a spirit of cooperation, and promoting mutual understanding. Through these diverse avenues of aid and support, India continues to strengthen its relationship with Costa Rica, geared towards fostering sustainable development and shared progress.
Indians in Costa Rica
As of December 2016, the Indian community in Costa Rica comprises approximately 250 individuals, primarily concentrated in the information technology sector. This demographic has significantly contributed to the country's burgeoning tech landscape, bringing expertise and innovation that align with global technological trends. Alongside those in IT, several members of the Indian community are engaged in entrepreneurship, particularly in exporting wooden goods, which highlights the diversity of their professional engagement. Additionally, some Indian nationals work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including notable humanitarian groups like the Missionaries of Charity, which provides services to underprivileged communities.
Culinary representation of the Indian community is also noteworthy, with at least ten Indian-owned restaurants across Costa Rica. Among these, "Taj Mahal" and "Naans & Curries" stand out for their authentic offerings and cultural significance. The latter, owned by Kapil Gulati from Gurgaon, has been recognized for its excellence in Indian cuisine, having received the prestigious "Annapurna" award in 2023 from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Government of India. This recognition not only celebrates the culinary arts but also fosters cultural exchange between India and Costa Rica.
The Costa Rica Indian Association (CRIA), founded in 2010, plays a vital role in uniting the Indian diaspora within the country. The association's initiatives focus on organizing social and cultural programs that promote Indian heritage and traditions while facilitating trade-related activities. Through these efforts, CRIA enhances community engagement and strengthens the bonds among Indians in Costa Rica, allowing them to share their culture with the broader Costa Rican society. This integration fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration between different communities, enriching the multicultural fabric of Costa Rica.