Why in news?
Bolivia declared a national health emergency in 2025 due to a measles and rubella outbreak. India responded by sending vaccine doses, demonstrating solidarity. This mapping section also introduces Bolivia’s geography and ties with India.
Bolivia’s geography
Bolivia is a land‑locked country in South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Peru to the northwest, Chile to the southwest, Argentina to the south and Paraguay to the southeast. The Andes mountain ranges dominate the western part, while tropical lowlands lie in the east. Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest large lake, straddles the border with Peru.
India–Bolivia relations
- Diplomatic relations date back to 1961. India maintains an embassy in La Paz, while Bolivia covers India through its embassy in New Delhi.
- Trade includes pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and textiles from India, and minerals such as lithium and silver from Bolivia. India’s state‑owned companies have explored cooperation in lithium mining to support battery manufacturing.
- In 2025, India sent around 300,000 doses of measles‑rubella vaccines to help Bolivia tackle its outbreak. This act of vaccine diplomacy underscores India’s role in global health and south‑south cooperation.
- High‑level meetings during multilateral forums such as BRICS have discussed cooperation in energy, mining, space and agriculture.
Importance of the mapping exercise
Understanding Bolivia’s geography helps place its resources and challenges in context. Studying India’s engagement with Bolivia highlights the broader strategy of expanding ties with Latin America and promoting solidarity in addressing global health and development issues.