Why in news?
India and Costa Rica held their first trade committee meeting on 6–7 July 2026. The virtual meeting reviewed regulatory cooperation, while bilateral merchandise trade reached US$391 million during 2025–26. Both countries also identified several new areas for cooperation.
Background
Costa Rica is a small Central American country, and its capital and largest city is San José. Spanish is the official language, and the national currency is the Costa Rican colón.
The country lies on the narrow land bridge linking North and South America, and Nicaragua lies to its north. Panama lies to its south-east, and the Pacific Ocean forms its western coast. The Caribbean Sea forms its eastern coast.
This location gives Costa Rica two very different coastal regions. It also places the country near an active tectonic boundary. The Cocos Plate moves beneath the Caribbean Plate here. This process has created volcanoes, earthquakes and steep mountain chains.
Major geographical features
- Mountain system: Several ranges run from north-west to south-east. They include Guanacaste, Tilarán, the Central Volcanic Range and Talamanca.
- Highest point: Cerro Chirripó rises within the Talamanca range. Its accepted height is about 3,821 metres.
- Important volcanoes: Arenal, Poás, Irazú and Turrialba are widely known. Irazú is the country’s highest volcano.
- Central Valley: This fertile upland contains San José and other major cities. A large share of the population lives here.
- Rivers: The Reventazón drains towards the Caribbean Sea. The Tempisque reaches the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific side.
- Border river: The San Juan runs along much of the northern boundary. The river belongs to Nicaragua, while Costa Rica has treaty-based navigation rights.
- Lakes: Lake Arenal is the country’s largest lake by area. It is an enlarged reservoir, while Lake Cote is the largest natural lake.
What is JETCO?
JETCO means the Joint Economic and Trade Committee. It was created under an India–Costa Rica memorandum on economic cooperation. It is the main institutional forum for bilateral trade matters.
The committee can review market access problems and investment opportunities. It can also connect regulators, ministries and business groups, and such a mechanism provides continuity beyond occasional ministerial visits.
What did the first meeting discuss?
- Both sides examined their trade and investment systems; they discussed standards, accreditation and product certification.
- Food safety and pharmaceutical regulation received specific attention; they considered cooperation in digital technology, manufacturing and innovation.
- They agreed to strengthen direct links between businesses and regulators.
Regulatory cooperation can reduce technical barriers because exporters often repeat tests in the importing country. Greater trust between recognised institutions can reduce such delays.
Other important facts
Costa Rica abolished its standing army in 1948, and the 1949 Constitution confirmed this decision. The country instead relies on civilian police and international law for security.
Costa Rica is also known for forest recovery and protected areas. Its position between two continents supports rich biodiversity. However, these facts should not hide continuing climate and development pressures.
Conclusion
The first JETCO gives India and Costa Rica a regular economic dialogue. It can address trade barriers before they become larger disputes. Costa Rica’s geography also makes it important for map-based questions.