India has extended warm congratulations to José Antonio Kast upon assuming office as Chile’s President on March 11, 2026, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties between the two nations.
Kast Sworn In Amid Right-Wing Shift
The far-right leader, who secured a landslide victory in December 2025 with over 58% of votes, took the oath at Valparaíso’s National Congress, succeeding Gabriel Boric. Kast vowed to prioritize public safety, curb irregular migration, boost economic growth, and uphold constitutional order during his 2026-2030 term.
Policy Priorities and Challenges
A Trump admirer, Kast pledged border walls with Peru and Bolivia, mass deportations, maximum-security prisons, and budget cuts to restore “law and order” in a nation grappling with crime waves. Analysts note his minority in Congress requires coalitions with centrists for reforms.
India’s Diplomatic Gesture
India’s message underscores shared interests in trade, defense, and South-South cooperation, as Kast eyes stronger US-Israel alignment while tackling Chile’s post-dictatorship rightward pivot since 1990.
