Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia's largest city, turning up heat on President Evo Morales as they voiced outrage over his government's response to wildfires that have razed broad swaths of the country's forests this year.

Protesters in the wealthy, industrial city of Santa Cruz brandished placards at the demonstration late on Friday calling for a "punishment vote" against Morales in the upcoming October&nbsp;20 presidential election.

Tightening polls show Morales, Latin America's longest-serving leftist leader, may be forced into a second-round runoff with his chief rival, Carlos Mesa, a business-friendly former president.

For weeks, opposition candidates and protesters have called on Morales to declare this year's surge in wildfires, which have already scorched an area larger than Costa Rica, a national disaster to help facilitate international aid.

Morales' government has said a disaster declaration could invite foreign meddling in a sovereign issue, echoing concerns voiced by neighbouring Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has sparked a global outcry over his handling of fires in the Brazilian Amazon.

Santa Cruz, where organizers said as many as 1.5 million people joined in Friday's protest, is home to vast tracts of Bolivia's biodiverse Chiquitano dry forests. They are named for the indigenous people who have inhabited them for hundreds of years.

Protesters say a disaster declaration by Bolivia would remove bureaucratic barriers to the help needed from abroad to contain fires in the impoverished South American country.

Authorities did not give an official estimate of the number of protesters on Friday, but a local reporter working with Reuters said about 350,000 people marched through the city.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia's largest city, turning up heat on President Evo Morales as they voiced outrage over his government's response to wildfires that have razed broad swaths of the country's forests this year.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Bolivia's largest city, turning up heat on President Evo Morales as they voiced outrage over his government's response to wildfires that have razed broad swaths of the country's forests this year. Protesters in the wealthy, industrial city of Santa Cruz brandished placards at the demonstration late on Friday calling for a "punishment vote" against Morales in the upcoming October 20 presidential election. Tightening polls show Morales, Latin America's longest-serving leftist leader, may be forced into a second-round runoff with his chief rival, Carlos Mesa, a business-friendly former president. For weeks, opposition candidates and protesters have called on Morales to declare this year's surge in wildfires, which have already scorched an area larger than Costa Rica, a national disaster to help facilitate international aid. Morales' government has said a disaster declaration could invite foreign meddling in a sovereign issue, echoing concerns voiced by neighbouring Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has sparked a global outcry over his handling of fires in the Brazilian Amazon. Santa Cruz, where organizers said as many as 1.5 million people joined in Friday's protest, is home to vast tracts of Bolivia's biodiverse Chiquitano dry forests. They are named for the indigenous people who have inhabited them for hundreds of years. Protesters say a disaster declaration by Bolivia would remove bureaucratic barriers to the help needed from abroad to contain fires in the impoverished South American country. Authorities did not give an official estimate of the number of protesters on Friday, but a local reporter working with Reuters said about 350,000 people marched through the city.

Hundreds of thousands voice outrage over Bolivian leader's response to forest fires

On Wednesday (September 25), smoke filled the air in Santa Elena, choking the few remaining residents that haven't yet evacuated in an effort to hold on to the homes they desperately hope won't be destroyed as blazes sweep through the area.

Bolivians flee as fires engulf forests

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country before general elections on October 20.

Protesters set fire to one office of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) while badly damaging another as police clashed with protesters and clouds of tear gas wafted through the streets of Santa Cruz.

According to local media, some 60 protesters were detained by police during the violent protests.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Police clash with protesters on streets of Bolivia

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A poll released this week and conducted by top universities and civil society groups indicated that 31.1 per cent&nbsp;of voters planned to cast ballots for front-runner Morales, well below the 40 per cent&nbsp;minimum he needs to win the election outright and avoid a December run-off.

It was the strongest sign yet that South America's longest-serving leftist leader may be on shaky ground as he seeks another five-year term amid an economic slowdown, charges of authoritarianism and an outcry over raging forest fires.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), whose five members were appointed by the government and Congress, said the poll violated electoral laws regarding the financing of polls and should be disregarded.

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country before general elections on October 20.

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country before general elections on October 20. Protesters set fire to one office of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) while badly damaging another as police clashed with protesters and clouds of tear gas wafted through the streets of Santa Cruz. According to local media, some 60 protesters were detained by police during the violent protests. Watch Video: Police clash with protesters on streets of Bolivia × A poll released this week and conducted by top universities and civil society groups indicated that 31.1 per cent of voters planned to cast ballots for front-runner Morales, well below the 40 per cent minimum he needs to win the election outright and avoid a December run-off. It was the strongest sign yet that South America's longest-serving leftist leader may be on shaky ground as he seeks another five-year term amid an economic slowdown, charges of authoritarianism and an outcry over raging forest fires. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), whose five members were appointed by the government and Congress, said the poll violated electoral laws regarding the financing of polls and should be disregarded.

Violence rocks Bolivia after poll shows weakening support for Morales

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country prior to general elections on October 20.

Police clash with protesters on streets of Bolivia

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres), officials said Wednesday, amid an $11 million effort by the government to contain them.

Environmentalists blame laws enacted under leftist President Evo Morales, who has encouraged the burning of forest and pasture land to expand agricultural production, while the government attributes the blazes to dry weather and winds.

"Of the fires that have occurred, 41 per cent are in protected areas and 30 per cent are in forests," Cinthia Asin, environmental minister for the eastern region of Santa Cruz told the press, updating the amount of land burned to 1.7 million hectares.

Santa Cruz is the hardest hit of Bolivia's departments since the fires began in May and intensified in late August.

Much to environmentalists' chagrin, Bolivia's government recently authorized farmers to burn 20 hectares (almost 50 acres) instead of the usual five hectares (12 acres) -- which is believed to have contributed to thousands of wildfires.

Asin said that over the first days of September, 751 new fires blazed, mostly in forested areas, leading Santa Cruz officials to believe that humans had started the conflagrations to clear farmland.

Separately, the Bolivian government reported that it was continuing its land and air efforts to extinguish the fires.

Foreign Minister Diego Pary said that the executive branch had spent $11 million fighting the fires and had an additional $2 million at its disposal from international cooperation.

A SuperTanker Boeing 747 capable of carrying 75,000 litres (19,800 gallons), helicopters and some 4,000 firefighters, police and military personnel were all working to extinguish the flames.

Morales announced earlier Wednesday that he was expecting the arrival of three 16,000-liter capacity helicopters as well as a Russian plane with a 50,000-liter capacity.

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres), officials said Wednesday, amid an $11 million effort by the government to contain them.

Wildfires raging in Bolivia's forests and grasslands since May have destroyed 1.7 million hectares (4.2 million acres), officials said Wednesday, amid an $11 million effort by the government to contain them. Environmentalists blame laws enacted under leftist President Evo Morales, who has encouraged the burning of forest and pasture land to expand agricultural production, while the government attributes the blazes to dry weather and winds. "Of the fires that have occurred, 41 per cent are in protected areas and 30 per cent are in forests," Cinthia Asin, environmental minister for the eastern region of Santa Cruz told the press, updating the amount of land burned to 1.7 million hectares. Santa Cruz is the hardest hit of Bolivia's departments since the fires began in May and intensified in late August. Much to environmentalists' chagrin, Bolivia's government recently authorized farmers to burn 20 hectares (almost 50 acres) instead of the usual five hectares (12 acres) -- which is believed to have contributed to thousands of wildfires. Asin said that over the first days of September, 751 new fires blazed, mostly in forested areas, leading Santa Cruz officials to believe that humans had started the conflagrations to clear farmland. Separately, the Bolivian government reported that it was continuing its land and air efforts to extinguish the fires. Foreign Minister Diego Pary said that the executive branch had spent $11 million fighting the fires and had an additional $2 million at its disposal from international cooperation. A SuperTanker Boeing 747 capable of carrying 75,000 litres (19,800 gallons), helicopters and some 4,000 firefighters, police and military personnel were all working to extinguish the flames. Morales announced earlier Wednesday that he was expecting the arrival of three 16,000-liter capacity helicopters as well as a Russian plane with a 50,000-liter capacity.

Bolivia has lost 1.7 million hectares to fire: Government

The tiny victims of Bolivia's raging wildfires have taken some respite in this animal shelter in Aguas Calientes.

'Noah's Ark' in Bolivia rescues animals fleeing wildfires

Armed with just shovels and machetes, firefighters in Bolivia battled through hot weather on Wednesday (August 28) to smother a forest fire in Santa Rosa de Tucabaca, as the country struggles to contain raging wildfires.

Bolivian firefighters in uphill battle against raging wildfires

Bolivia's President Evo Morales joined firefighters in Santa Rosa on Tuesday (August 27) to help crew put out wildfires, as the country struggles to contain blazes across Bolivia.

President Evo Morales joins firefighters to battle wildfires in Bolivia

Firefighters battled wildfires raging through Bolivia's Robore region on Sunday, August 25 that have engulfed rural villages and doubled in size since Thursday, August 22. Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday said he was now open to international aid to fight the blazes that have burned unabated across vast swaths of hilly tropical forest and savannah near Bolivia's border with Paraguay and Brazil. At least 1 million hectares, or approximately 3,800 square miles, have been impacted by the fires, officials said.

Devastating wildfire in Bolivia, at least 1 million hectares burnt

Bolivia was feeling the fallout from a volcanic eruption in neighboring Peru on Saturday (July 20) with ash clouds darkening skies and dust blowing about the streets of cities in the eastern regions of this Andean country.

Bolivia suffers ash fallout from Peru volcanic eruption

A brace from Philippe Coutinho handed hosts Brazil a winning start to the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-out-of-copa-america-after-tearing-ankle-ligament-224880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY19ns6OriAhXXV30KHem9BxEQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1VCwCOldIKCAdXcmgbS243"> Copa America</a> on Friday in a 3-0 victory over Bolivia as the absence of superstar Neymar was quickly forgotten.

Barcelona's Coutinho scored from the penalty spot early in the second half and added a close-range header three minutes later.

Substitute Everton netted a sensational third five minutes from time to clinch a Group A victory for coach Tite's tournament favourites in Sao Paulo.

The build-up to the competition had been dominated by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-records-statement-at-rio-police-station-over-rape-accusation-225168&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigm7_j5-riAhWIsY8KHfyzAhUQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GxhdGVV5VrY7lqfPFXnI6">Neymar's </a>woes, firstly when he was accused of rape by a Brazilian model, and then when he damaged ankle ligaments in a friendly last week, forcing him out of the Copa.

If Brazil's first-half performance was anything to go by, the Paris Saint-Germain star was sorely missed, but Coutinho's brace at least silenced the jeers that met the team at half-time.

"Whistles are part of the game, the fans want us to win and play well, so that's why they jeer," said the match-winner, whose goals papered over the cracks of an at times disjointed performance.

"We always want their support but we're focused on the objective, which is the match," Coutinho told Brazil's SportTV.

"Whistles or cheers, the important thing is to stay focused and get the win," he said.

Brazil made a bright start and predictably dominated the early possession and chances.

But surprisingly their greatest threat came from set-pieces with Coutinho's corner delivery causing panic in the Bolivian backline.

Bolivia's goalkeeper Carlos Lampe made an instinctive block from a Roberto Firmino flick that came straight at him.

And a few minutes later, towering centre-half Thiago Silva was left unmarked eight yards out to meet another Coutinho delivery, but he inexplicably headed well wide.

The pitch at the Morumbi stadium wasn't helping flowing football, with Bolivia, in particular, struggling to string passes together.

"We've got to be honest, Brazil beat us and beat us well," said Bolivia coach Eduardo Villegas.

Brazil, wearing white shirts and blue shorts, weaved almost geometric patterns around their unambitious visitors but struggled to test Lampe.

Their best chances came from Bolivian mistakes and Richarlison should have scored into an open goal when a woeful Lampe clearance went straight to him, but the Everton forward failed to lift the ball over defender Adrian Jusino, who headed clear from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Barrage of jeers 
 
With 10 men behind the ball, Bolivia were proving hard to break down but Casemiro went close with what appeared to be a shanked cross that drifted just beyond Lampe's far post with the goalkeeper scrambling to cover it.

Tite's team were treated to a barrage of jeers from the 67,000 crowd when the half-time whistle went.

Bolivia's best moment had perhaps been a cheeky nutmeg of Casemiro by Raul Castro on the edge of his own 18-yard box. It had been slim pickings.

Fans' spirits were quickly lifted after the restart, though, as Coutinho fired home from the spot on 50 minutes after a contentious penalty award.

Richarlison's attempted cross struck Jusino's arm, which was by his side and only slightly away from his body, but after consulting the video assistant referee, Argentine handler Nestor Pitana pointed to the spot.

Bolivia were stunned and just three minutes later their defence went missing as Firmino reached the bye line and chipped the ball to the back post for Coutinho to head home from barely two yards out.

Reluctant to push men forward, Bolivia never looked like getting back into the match.

"If you want to qualify (for the knock-out stages) you have to attack a little more," admitted Villegas.

And Coutinho's corners continued to present <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-loses-brazil-captaincy-to-dani-alves-for-copa-america-222156&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY19ns6OriAhXXV30KHem9BxEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw36vfJ6e1uHVvi82d-ZVwx7">Brazil </a>with their best chances, as Marquinhos headed straight at Lampe from seven yards with 15 minutes left.

The game had slowed to almost walking pace when substitute Everton scored a sensational third, cutting in from the left wing before firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner with Lampe rooted to the spot.

A brace from Philippe Coutinho handed hosts Brazil a winning start to the Copa America on Friday in a 3-0 victory over Bolivia as the absence of superstar Neymar was quickly forgotten.

A brace from Philippe Coutinho handed hosts Brazil a winning start to the Copa America on Friday in a 3-0 victory over Bolivia as the absence of superstar Neymar was quickly forgotten. Barcelona's Coutinho scored from the penalty spot early in the second half and added a close-range header three minutes later. Substitute Everton netted a sensational third five minutes from time to clinch a Group A victory for coach Tite's tournament favourites in Sao Paulo. The build-up to the competition had been dominated by Neymar's woes, firstly when he was accused of rape by a Brazilian model, and then when he damaged ankle ligaments in a friendly last week, forcing him out of the Copa. If Brazil's first-half performance was anything to go by, the Paris Saint-Germain star was sorely missed, but Coutinho's brace at least silenced the jeers that met the team at half-time. "Whistles are part of the game, the fans want us to win and play well, so that's why they jeer," said the match-winner, whose goals papered over the cracks of an at times disjointed performance. "We always want their support but we're focused on the objective, which is the match," Coutinho told Brazil's SportTV. "Whistles or cheers, the important thing is to stay focused and get the win," he said. Brazil made a bright start and predictably dominated the early possession and chances. But surprisingly their greatest threat came from set-pieces with Coutinho's corner delivery causing panic in the Bolivian backline. Bolivia's goalkeeper Carlos Lampe made an instinctive block from a Roberto Firmino flick that came straight at him. And a few minutes later, towering centre-half Thiago Silva was left unmarked eight yards out to meet another Coutinho delivery, but he inexplicably headed well wide. The pitch at the Morumbi stadium wasn't helping flowing football, with Bolivia, in particular, struggling to string passes together. "We've got to be honest, Brazil beat us and beat us well," said Bolivia coach Eduardo Villegas. Brazil, wearing white shirts and blue shorts, weaved almost geometric patterns around their unambitious visitors but struggled to test Lampe. Their best chances came from Bolivian mistakes and Richarlison should have scored into an open goal when a woeful Lampe clearance went straight to him, but the Everton forward failed to lift the ball over defender Adrian Jusino, who headed clear from the edge of the 18-yard box. Barrage of jeers With 10 men behind the ball, Bolivia were proving hard to break down but Casemiro went close with what appeared to be a shanked cross that drifted just beyond Lampe's far post with the goalkeeper scrambling to cover it. Tite's team were treated to a barrage of jeers from the 67,000 crowd when the half-time whistle went. Bolivia's best moment had perhaps been a cheeky nutmeg of Casemiro by Raul Castro on the edge of his own 18-yard box. It had been slim pickings. Fans' spirits were quickly lifted after the restart, though, as Coutinho fired home from the spot on 50 minutes after a contentious penalty award. Richarlison's attempted cross struck Jusino's arm, which was by his side and only slightly away from his body, but after consulting the video assistant referee, Argentine handler Nestor Pitana pointed to the spot. Bolivia were stunned and just three minutes later their defence went missing as Firmino reached the bye line and chipped the ball to the back post for Coutinho to head home from barely two yards out. Reluctant to push men forward, Bolivia never looked like getting back into the match. "If you want to qualify (for the knock-out stages) you have to attack a little more," admitted Villegas. And Coutinho's corners continued to present Brazil with their best chances, as Marquinhos headed straight at Lampe from seven yards with 15 minutes left. The game had slowed to almost walking pace when substitute Everton scored a sensational third, cutting in from the left wing before firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner with Lampe rooted to the spot.

Philippe Coutinho helps Brazil forget Neymar in winning Copa America start

Dozens of houses have been destroyed in a landslide in the Bolivian capital of La Paz. Watch this video to know more.

Dramatic footage shows Bolivian landslide sweeping away houses

India's deal for access to Bolivian lithium reserves

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India.

This forms an important part of Indian govt's policy to have electric vehicles rolling in the country by 2030 as a measure to promote environment-friendly practises.

Under the FAME India policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), India’s plans to have at least 30% of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030. &nbsp;

This comes in the back of the 3-day visit of President Ram Nath Kovind's to the country.&nbsp;

The India Bolivia Joint statement at the end of the visit said both countries "Agreed to forge a mutually beneficial partnership to facilitate Bolivian supplies of lithium Carbonate to India and foster joint ventures for Lithium battery/cell production plants in India."

The country holds more than 40% of known reserves of Lithium, most of it in Salar de Uyuni. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat rich in Lithium. A salt flat is geologically is a large ground covered with salt and minerals.

A delegation from Khanij Bidesh India Limited visited Lithium Mining areas especially Salar de Uyuni of the South American country. Khanij Bidesh India is a joint venture of 3 mining PSUs under India's Mines ministry.&nbsp;

Both India &amp; Bolivia agreed to facilitate commercialization of Lithium Carbonate and Potassium Chloride produced by Bolivia's state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos Corporación (YLB - Corporación).&nbsp;

New Delhi has also proposed a follow-up visit to Bolivia by a delegation from National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage of India for taking forward the cooperation in the area of battery storage solutions.

8 MoUs were signed during the visit of President Kovind to Bolivia from March 28 to 30. Bilateral trade grew by 205% between both the countries to reach $772 million during Financial Year 2017-18.

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India.

Bolivia, known to have the largest reserves of Lithium, is all set to become a major partner for providing metal—used in making batteries of electric vehicles, laptops and smartphones—to India. This forms an important part of Indian govt's policy to have electric vehicles rolling in the country by 2030 as a measure to promote environment-friendly practises. Under the FAME India policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), India’s plans to have at least 30% of its vehicles run on electric batteries by 2030. This comes in the back of the 3-day visit of President Ram Nath Kovind's to the country. The India Bolivia Joint statement at the end of the visit said both countries "Agreed to forge a mutually beneficial partnership to facilitate Bolivian supplies of lithium Carbonate to India and foster joint ventures for Lithium battery/cell production plants in India." The country holds more than 40% of known reserves of Lithium, most of it in Salar de Uyuni. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat rich in Lithium. A salt flat is geologically is a large ground covered with salt and minerals. A delegation from Khanij Bidesh India Limited visited Lithium Mining areas especially Salar de Uyuni of the South American country. Khanij Bidesh India is a joint venture of 3 mining PSUs under India's Mines ministry. Both India & Bolivia agreed to facilitate commercialization of Lithium Carbonate and Potassium Chloride produced by Bolivia's state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos Corporación (YLB - Corporación). New Delhi has also proposed a follow-up visit to Bolivia by a delegation from National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage of India for taking forward the cooperation in the area of battery storage solutions. 8 MoUs were signed during the visit of President Kovind to Bolivia from March 28 to 30. Bilateral trade grew by 205% between both the countries to reach $772 million during Financial Year 2017-18.

Electric cars on Indian roads by 2030: India to get lithium for batteries from Bolivia

Indian and Bolivia on Friday (local time) signed eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture space and medicine.

"We are happy to have Bolivia as a partner in the International Solar Alliance and welcome the signing of the framework agreement establishing the bond. In addition, we have signed eight MoUs in the fields of culture, Visa waiver arrangement for diplomats, the exchange between diplomatic academies, mining, space, traditional medicine, the establishment of Centre of Excellence in IT and Bi-Oceanic Railway project," said President Kovind.

President Kovind who is on three-nation visit reached Bolivia on Thursday.

He also received the highest state honour of Bolivia-Condor de los Andes en el Grado de Gran Collar from President of Bolivia Evo Morales, in Sucre.

President Kovind, accompanied by his wife, Savita Kovind and a delegation of around 100 ministerial officials, inspected the Guard of Honour during a ceremonial welcome at the airport. He was also presented with the key of the city of Santa Cruz.

"I am very happy to be in the beautiful land of Bolivia. A country rich in traditions and diversity, with people proud of their country," the President noted.

"Bolivia is a landlocked country, it is rich in mineral resources. It has large deposits of lithium, gold, silver and gas reserves. Bolivia's lithium and our needs for mobility and storage provide natural synergies. A delegation of companies had visited and has had discussions with Bolivian companies and we also see that as Bolivia would embark on the industrialisation of its resources, India could be a partner that could provide know-how technology and skills. Some of our companies are already in Bolivia largely in sectors of IT and even in vehicles we have companies, who are in like, TATA Motors, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, they have business links in Bolivia," read the external ministry statement.

"India has emerged as a major export destination for Bolivia and Bolivia is India's ninth largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Indian imports are USD 667 million and our exports are $105 million. Our main exports are vehicles and pharmaceutical products. We also provide capacity building support to prepare Bolivia and slots even in IT as well as training of diplomats," the statement noted.

Following this, President Kovind will be visiting Chile on March 30, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Indian and Bolivia on Friday (local time) signed eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture space and medicine. "We are happy to have Bolivia as a partner in the International Solar Alliance and welcome the signing of the framework agreement establishing the bond.

Indian and Bolivia on Friday (local time) signed eight Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture space and medicine. "We are happy to have Bolivia as a partner in the International Solar Alliance and welcome the signing of the framework agreement establishing the bond. In addition, we have signed eight MoUs in the fields of culture, Visa waiver arrangement for diplomats, the exchange between diplomatic academies, mining, space, traditional medicine, the establishment of Centre of Excellence in IT and Bi-Oceanic Railway project," said President Kovind. President Kovind who is on three-nation visit reached Bolivia on Thursday. He also received the highest state honour of Bolivia-Condor de los Andes en el Grado de Gran Collar from President of Bolivia Evo Morales, in Sucre. President Kovind, accompanied by his wife, Savita Kovind and a delegation of around 100 ministerial officials, inspected the Guard of Honour during a ceremonial welcome at the airport. He was also presented with the key of the city of Santa Cruz. "I am very happy to be in the beautiful land of Bolivia. A country rich in traditions and diversity, with people proud of their country," the President noted. "Bolivia is a landlocked country, it is rich in mineral resources. It has large deposits of lithium, gold, silver and gas reserves. Bolivia's lithium and our needs for mobility and storage provide natural synergies. A delegation of companies had visited and has had discussions with Bolivian companies and we also see that as Bolivia would embark on the industrialisation of its resources, India could be a partner that could provide know-how technology and skills. Some of our companies are already in Bolivia largely in sectors of IT and even in vehicles we have companies, who are in like, TATA Motors, Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra, they have business links in Bolivia," read the external ministry statement. "India has emerged as a major export destination for Bolivia and Bolivia is India's ninth largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Indian imports are USD 667 million and our exports are $105 million. Our main exports are vehicles and pharmaceutical products. We also provide capacity building support to prepare Bolivia and slots even in IT as well as training of diplomats," the statement noted. Following this, President Kovind will be visiting Chile on March 30, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

India, Bolivia sign eight Memorandum of Understandings

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday embarked on a state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile to hold talks with the leaders of these countries and strengthen ties in trade, investment and renewable energy.

India will be conducting separate bilateral forums with Croatia, Bolivia and Chile during President Kovind's visit to these countries, from March 25 to April 2, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"The large business delegations joining in the bilateral business forums organized as part of the visit of President, indicate the increasing interest of Indian companies in expanding business ties with these countries," the statement read.

President Kovind will first visit Croatia from March 25 to 28 in what would be the first visit by an Indian president to the European country. He is scheduled to participate in the India-Croatia Business Forum and deliver an address at the University of Zagreb.

In Bolivia from March 28 to 30, the President will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales. This is the first high-level visit to the Latin American country since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"Bolivia's Lithium and our needs for eMobility and eStorage provide natural synergies. As Bolivia embarks on the industrialization of its resources, India is a willing partner for know-how, technology and skills. In the Financial Year 2017-18, the bilateral trade grew by 205% to reach US$ 772 million," the statement outlined.

On March 30, President Kovind will head to Chile. The visit comes at a time when the 70th year of establishment of India-Chile diplomatic relations is being celebrated.

Besides holding talks with Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera, President Kovind is scheduled to participate in a business meet and address the University of Chile.

"President's state visits to the three countries would reinvigorate bilateral ties and provide new direction to multi-faceted development of our bilateral relations," the MEA statement noted.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday embarked on a state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile to hold talks with the leaders of these countries and strengthen ties in trade, investment and renewable energy.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday embarked on a state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile to hold talks with the leaders of these countries and strengthen ties in trade, investment and renewable energy. India will be conducting separate bilateral forums with Croatia, Bolivia and Chile during President Kovind's visit to these countries, from March 25 to April 2, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said. "The large business delegations joining in the bilateral business forums organized as part of the visit of President, indicate the increasing interest of Indian companies in expanding business ties with these countries," the statement read. President Kovind will first visit Croatia from March 25 to 28 in what would be the first visit by an Indian president to the European country. He is scheduled to participate in the India-Croatia Business Forum and deliver an address at the University of Zagreb. In Bolivia from March 28 to 30, the President will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales. This is the first high-level visit to the Latin American country since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. "Bolivia's Lithium and our needs for eMobility and eStorage provide natural synergies. As Bolivia embarks on the industrialization of its resources, India is a willing partner for know-how, technology and skills. In the Financial Year 2017-18, the bilateral trade grew by 205% to reach US$ 772 million," the statement outlined. On March 30, President Kovind will head to Chile. The visit comes at a time when the 70th year of establishment of India-Chile diplomatic relations is being celebrated. Besides holding talks with Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera, President Kovind is scheduled to participate in a business meet and address the University of Chile. "President's state visits to the three countries would reinvigorate bilateral ties and provide new direction to multi-faceted development of our bilateral relations," the MEA statement noted.

President Ram Nath Kovind embarks on state visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile

In pics: Germany edges out China in Bolivia's lithium 'Great Game'

Bolivia&rsquo;s government on Tuesday signed natural gas exploration and production agreements with Spain&rsquo;s Repsol, Brazil&rsquo;s Petrobras, and Royal Dutch Shell that are expected to bring nearly $1.6 billion in investment into the sector and boost output, President Evo Morales said at an industry summit.

The deals cover blocks in the Iguazu, San Telmo and Astillero gas areas in which Bolivia&#39;s state-run YPFB would be the partner.

Repsol would lead the Iguazu consortium with Royal Dutch Shell a minority partner, while Petrobras would lead the other two, he said.

The deals cover blocks in the Iguazu, San Telmo and Astillero gas areas in which Bolivia's state-run YPFB would be the partner

Bolivia’s government on Tuesday signed natural gas exploration and production agreements with Spain’s Repsol, Brazil’s Petrobras, and Royal Dutch Shell that are expected to bring nearly $1.6 billion in investment into the sector and boost output, President Evo Morales said at an industry summit. The deals cover blocks in the Iguazu, San Telmo and Astillero gas areas in which Bolivia's state-run YPFB would be the partner. Repsol would lead the Iguazu consortium with Royal Dutch Shell a minority partner, while Petrobras would lead the other two, he said.

Bolivia signs $1.6 billion in gas deals with Repsol, Petrobras

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