Historical Context
The relationship between Costa Rica and India has its roots in mutual support during international conflicts, particularly seen in the context of the Kashmir dispute. In the early 1990s, specifically in 1993 and 1994, Costa Rica put forth its diplomatic backing for India at the United Nations. This support was further highlighted by Costa Rica's decisive vote against a draft resolution proposed by Pakistan concerning Kashmir during the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) session in Geneva in 1994. These actions underscored Costa Rica's alignment with India's stance on this sensitive geopolitical issue.
Consular Developments
The evolution of diplomatic representation between Costa Rica and India is marked by significant developments in the mid to late 1990s. In 1995, India appointed an honorary consul in San José, enhancing its presence in Central America. Following this, Costa Rica established its own honorary consulate in New Delhi in 1996, laying the groundwork for stronger bilateral relations. Initially, Costa Rica had plans to open an embassy in India as early as 1990, which were however delayed. The ambition to strengthen diplomatic ties gained new momentum in 2007 when Costa Rica confirmed its intention to establish an embassy. Ultimately, this goal was achieved with the opening of the Costa Rican embassy in New Delhi on April 20, 2010. This embassy initially functioned under the leadership of a Charge d’ Affaires until June 2011, when Costa Rica appointed its first ambassador to India, solidifying the diplomatic relationship.
Bilateral Engagements
The first official Foreign Office Consultations between India and Costa Rica took place in August 2012, marking a new chapter in bilateral engagement. These consultations provided a platform for discussing a wide range of issues, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. The Indian Embassy in Panama, jointly accredited to Costa Rica, plays a pivotal role in maintaining diplomatic links and addressing the interests of both nations.
As time has progressed, the relationship between the two nations has continued to grow, encompassing various areas of cooperation, including trade, culture, and technology. Both countries have expressed a commitment to deepen ties, reflecting the evolving dynamics of international relations and the importance of fostering partnerships across continents.
High-Level Visits
The diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and India have seen an array of high-level visits, emphasizing the strengthening ties between the two nations. Notably, in October 2015, Costa Rican Vice President Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría embarked on an official visit to India, marking a significant event in the diplomatic calendar for both countries. This visit served to reinforce commitments towards expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade and culture.
Since 1997, Costa Rica has witnessed several visits from its Foreign Ministers, Ministers for Foreign Trade, and other government dignitaries to India, illustrating the importance both nations place on developing this relationship. These visits have facilitated discussions on key areas such as trade agreements, collaboration in sustainable development, technology transfer, and cultural interchange, paving the way for increasingly strong bilateral relations.
From the Indian side, the highest-level visits have predominantly been represented by Ministers of State. For instance, in April 2013, D. Purandareswari, the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, traveled to Costa Rica, focusing on expanding trade relations and exploring investment opportunities. Following this, General V.K. Singh (Retd), the Minister of State for External Affairs, made a visit in July 2015. His trip aimed to enhance diplomatic ties, promote economic cooperation, and foster cultural connections between the two countries.
Overall, these high-level visits signify a growing relationship between Costa Rica and India, characterized by mutual respect and a shared vision for cooperation in various fields. As both nations continue to prioritize strengthening their ties, further diplomatic efforts and exchanges are expected, particularly given their complementary strengths in areas such as tourism, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.
Agreements
The relationship between Costa Rica and India has been strengthened through various bilateral agreements aimed at fostering cooperation and dialogue between the two nations. Among these, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed to facilitate regular consultations between their foreign offices, promoting transparency and collaboration on international issues that are of mutual interest. This framework allows both nations to engage in frequent discussions, leading to a deeper understanding of each other's foreign policy objectives.
In a notable development in 2009, Costa Rica and India established a Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Costa Rica. This initiative aims to enhance the technological capabilities and IT infrastructure within Costa Rica, reflecting a commitment to improving digital access and education in the region. The establishment of such a center not only serves the local population but is also indicative of India's growing influence and expertise in the field of information technology.
Furthermore, the two countries signed MoUs between their respective diplomatic training institutions. In March 2015, agreements were reached between the Foreign Service Institutes of India and Costa Rica, as well as between the Foreign Service Institute and the Costa Rican Diplomatic Academy. These agreements focus on capacity building and the sharing of best practices in diplomacy, ensuring that both nations can effectively navigate the complexities of international relations and enhance their diplomatic service capabilities. Overall, the collaboration between Costa Rica and India illustrates a commitment to mutual development and a shared vision for future cooperation across various sectors.
Overview of Bilateral Trade
Bilateral trade between Costa Rica and India has demonstrated significant fluctuations over the years, with total trade reaching approximately US$196.97 million in 2015. This figure reflects a dynamic exchange of goods, with India exporting goods worth $134.76 million to Costa Rica—a notable increase of 40.62% compared to 2014. In contrast, Costa Rica's exports to India totalled $62.21 million, which marked a substantial decline of 59.94% from the previous year. The drastic drop in imports from Costa Rica can be largely attributed to the closure of Intel's chip manufacturing facility in San José in 2014, which significantly reduced the demand for integrated circuits—a key export product.
Key Export and Import Commodities
India's main exports to Costa Rica encompass a diverse range of commodities, including automobiles, pharmaceutical products, textiles and clothing, motorcycles, organic chemicals, and electrical machinery. Additional miscellaneous goods such as notebooks, cables, and tyres also figure prominently in these trade relations. Conversely, Costa Rica's exports to India primarily consist of wood and wooden articles, integrated circuits and micro-assemblies, along with optical medical and surgical instruments. Other imports, although to a lesser extent, include nuts, coffee, tea, glass, and glassware, all of which reflect Costa Rica's rich agricultural and natural resource base.
Investment and Economic Collaboration
The economic ties between Costa Rica and India have been further reinforced by the establishment of Indian IT companies in Costa Rica. In 2013, major firms like Infosys, Cognizant, and CSS Corp set up delivery centers in San José, showcasing Costa Rica as a strategic location for serving the U.S. market with lower operational costs. Former CEO of Movate (previously CSS Corp), Sunil Mittal, highlighted that operating from Costa Rica can yield savings of about 15-20%, largely due to the geographical proximity and convenience of being in the same time zone as the United States. Additionally, other prominent Indian IT giants, such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro, have also established a presence in San José, enhancing the collaborative economic framework between these two nations.
Future Prospects
The future of Costa Rica-India relations looks promising, with both countries recognizing the potential for growth in trade, investment, and technology transfer. Efforts to enhance cooperation in fields such as sustainable development, education, and tourism could further solidify this bilateral relationship. As Costa Rica continues to develop its technology and service sectors, and India expands its global outreach, a mutually beneficial partnership could emerge that leverages the strengths of both nations for economic growth and development. This cooperation could also open up new avenues in research and innovation, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, where both countries are keen to invest and collaborate.
Cultural Relations Between Costa Rica and India
The cultural relationship between Costa Rica and India has been strengthened through notable academic and artistic contributions over the decades. One of the early pioneers in promoting Indian studies in Costa Rica was Professor Hilda Chen Apuy. During the 1950s, she traveled to India on a UNESCO scholarship, where she immersed herself in Indian culture and philosophy. Upon her return, Professor Apuy made significant strides in academia by introducing courses on Indian History, Philosophy, and Sanskrit at the University of Costa Rica in San José. In addition to her teaching, she published a series of articles aimed at informing and engaging Costa Ricans with Indian thought, further bridging the cultural gap between the two nations.
In a notable event that highlighted this cultural exchange, the Spanish translation of Gandhi's autobiography was launched in Costa Rica in September 2008. The event was graced by the presence of President Óscar Arias, who played an essential role not only in the book’s promotion but also by writing the prologue. This publication served as a medium through which Costa Ricans could engage with Gandhi's philosophies and teachings, fostering a deeper understanding of India's historical and cultural legacy.
The influence of Indian culture has also permeated the realm of cinema in Costa Rica. The 2017 film "Enredados: La Confusión" (Entangled: The Confusion) marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Bollywood and Latin American cinema. Directed by Ashish R Mohan, a well-known Bollywood filmmaker, this film is distinguished as the first from Latin America to incorporate a traditional Bollywood song-and-dance sequence, choreographed by accomplished Bollywood choreographers. Notably, the film also features Indian actor Prabhakar Sharan, making him the first Indian to star in a Latin American film. This collaboration signifies a noteworthy fusion of cultural elements, demonstrating how art can transcend geographical boundaries and foster greater understanding and appreciation between diverse cultures.
The dynamic interplay of educational initiatives and creative projects illustrates a growing recognition of cultural interconnections between Costa Rica and India. As both countries continue to explore these avenues, it is likely that additional partnerships and ventures will emerge, further enriching their cultural landscapes and strengthening the ties that bind them.
Foreign Aid and Support
India has a long-standing commitment to providing foreign aid to Costa Rica since the late 1990s, exemplified by its donation of photovoltaic equipment valued at ₹1.85 million (approximately US$22,000) in 1997. This initiative was aimed at establishing a solar energy research laboratory at the University of Heredia, facilitating advancements in renewable energy under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. In addition to promoting renewable energy, India also contributed to the improvement of Costa Rica’s communication infrastructure by donating a telephone exchange to the Costa Rican telecommunications operator ICE in 1998. The aid extended to humanitarian efforts as well, with the Indian government allocating US$25,000 to assist during the floods in 1996, as well as donating 18 Bajaj 3-wheelers to the San José Police in December 2005.
Institutional Collaborations
The collaboration between Costa Rica and India deepened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2009, focusing on establishing a Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (Centro de Excelencia en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación – CETI). This initiative came to fruition in March 2015 when the Government of India enlisted C-DAC and APTECH for its execution. Located at the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTA) in Alajuela, the centre was inaugurated in March 2016 and aims to enhance the country's IT capabilities and workforce skills, contributing to the technological advancement of Costa Rica.
Educational Initiatives
Education has been a vital aspect of Indo-Costa Rican relations, with programs designed to equip Costa Rican citizens with valuable skills. A significant initiative in this regard was conducted in 2014, where a cooperation programme involving the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade, Costa Rican Coalition for Development Initiatives, and Infosys enabled 70 Costa Rican students and teachers to undergo a three-month training program in Mysore, India. This exposure not only enhanced their technical abilities but also fostered cultural exchange. Further reinforcing this educational collaboration, in March 2017, the Indian government awarded scholarships to four indigenous Costa Rican women from the Gnöbe and Bugle ethnic groups to partake in the Barefoot College Institute's Solar Lighting program in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Through this training, the women are empowered to design, set up, and maintain solar panels, aiming to provide sustainable electricity to their community in Punta Burica, underscoring India's commitment to fostering local development and inclusive empowerment.
Ongoing Opportunities
Furthermore, Costa Rican citizens continue to have access to a range of scholarships under India's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. These opportunities not only pave the way for educational advancements but also help strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations, on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation, thereby promoting cultural understanding and developmental growth. As both nations seek to enhance collaboration across various sectors, these educational and technological initiatives play a crucial role in building a sustainable and prosperous partnership.
Indians in Costa Rica
As of December 2016, the Indian community in Costa Rica is estimated to consist of approximately 250 individuals. The majority of these residents are professionals employed in the burgeoning Information Technology (IT) sector, which has seen significant growth in the country due to its stable environment and favorable conditions for tech companies. Additionally, there are Indians who have ventured into entrepreneurship, particularly in the wood export business, which is integral to Costa Rica's economy, known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources.
In terms of cultural contribution, the Indian culinary scene in Costa Rica has a notable presence with at least ten Indian-owned restaurants. Among these eateries, "Taj Mahal" and "Naans & Curries" stand out. The latter, owned by Kapil Gulati from Gurgaon, has received recognition for its excellence, notably earning the "Annapurna" award in 2023 from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), an honor that highlights its contribution to cultural exchange through cuisine. This recognition underscores the growing appreciation of Indian food and culture within Costa Rican society.
The Costa Rica Indian Association (CRIA), founded in 2010, plays a vital role in fostering community spirit among Indians living in Costa Rica. The association is actively involved in organizing various social and cultural programs, aiming to preserve Indian heritage and promote intercultural dialogue. In addition to this, CRIA also focuses on trade promotion activities, aiming to strengthen economic ties between Costa Rica and India. This multifaceted approach not only enriches the lives of the Indian expatriate community but also contributes to the broader multicultural tapestry of Costa Rica.
Moreover, the Indian community's integration into Costa Rican society is further evidenced by their participation in local charitable activities, including contributions to NGOs and the Missionaries of Charity. These efforts not only aid in community development but also create a bridge between Indian and Costa Rican cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding. The presence of Indians in Costa Rica highlights the growing bilateral relations between the two nations, reflecting a shared commitment to cultural exchange and economic development.