New Delhi, June 24 -- Former diplomat Amarendra Khatua on Wednesday highlighted that India must transition from a passive trade partner to an active economic stakeholder in Latin America to secure its long-term food and energy security.

Speaking to ANI, the veteran diplomat called for a radical shift toward establishing processing hubs, localised supply chains, and permanent storage facilities in the region, in a strategic blueprint for deepening ties, mirroring the robust, interventionist model long employed by China.

Ambassador Khatua argued that India's current trade relationship with Latin America remains "very limited," often stalling once initial procurement goals, such as imports of edible oil, crude oil, or spices, are met. He s...