PM Modi’s Argentina Visit to Deepen Strategic Ties, Energy Cooperation, and Trade
Buenos Aires – After a historic and productive two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, continuing his five-nation tour with a key focus on expanding India’s presence in Latin America. His visit marks the first bilateral trip to Argentina by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi in 1968. Posting on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said,
“Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We’ve added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship.”
PM Modi also expressed gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for their hospitality and participation in India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree for Mother) campaign, underscoring shared values around climate action and sustainability.
Strategic Focus in Argentina: Minerals, Energy, and Trade
During his official visit to Argentina from July 4–5, at the invitation of President Javier Milei, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks aimed at elevating the India-Argentina Strategic Partnership, which was formalised in 2019. Discussions will span a range of areas including defence, renewable energy, agriculture, mining, digital infrastructure, and counter-terrorism.
A central focus of the visit is India’s interest in Argentina’s vast natural resources, particularly lithium, copper, and shale gas. Argentina forms part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Bolivia and Chile, a region that is critical for global electric vehicle battery production. Indian public sector entity KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) has already secured rights to explore lithium in Catamarca province, with more agreements likely during the visit.
India is also eyeing Argentine LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as it seeks to diversify its energy imports amid growing instability in traditional Gulf suppliers. Buenos Aires has shown interest in attracting Indian investments in upstream sectors and expanding its LNG exports to India.
Trade, Pharma, and Agriculture: Strengthening Two-Way Flows
Bilateral trade between India and Argentina crossed $5.2 billion in 2024, with India ranking among Argentina’s top six trading partners. While soybean oil dominates trade flows, both nations are now exploring broader cooperation. Argentina is keen on importing Indian pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and IT services, while India is pushing for better access to Argentina’s agriculture and dairy markets.
With President Milei pushing pro-market reforms, India is also hoping to accelerate trade negotiations with MERCOSUR, the South American customs bloc. Argentina’s stance on reforming and globalising MERCOSUR makes it a key ally in India’s Latin America outreach.
Defence, Space, and Digital Public Infrastructure
India and Argentina are also exploring defence cooperation, with interest from Buenos Aires in Indian-built systems such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Talks may include joint training, technology transfer, and co-production.
Digital governance is another frontier. Argentina has expressed a desire to learn from India’s digital public infrastructure, especially in telemedicine, digital ID systems, and financial inclusion platforms. Collaboration in space technology will also be discussed, with both countries looking to deepen cooperation between ISRO and Argentina’s CONAE space agency, building on past collaborations.
Shared Stance on Terrorism and Global South Solidarity
One of the more symbolic moments of the visit is expected to be a joint declaration against terrorism. Argentina has consistently supported India’s position on global terrorism and was among the first to condemn the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 Indian tourists were killed.
Argentina, having suffered devastating terror attacks in 1992 (Israeli Embassy bombing) and 1994 (AMIA Jewish Centre bombing), shares a deeply personal understanding of the threat.
“We understand India’s pain. Terrorism is unacceptable in any form,” said Argentine Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino, ahead of the visit.
PM Modi is also expected to pay tribute at the statue of General José de San Martín, Argentina’s independence hero, and attend ceremonial events hosted by President Milei, including a state luncheon.
Looking Ahead to BRICS and the Global South
This visit comes just ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil, further positioning India’s push for stronger ties with the Global South. Argentina’s strategic location, natural resources, and openness to reform make it a vital partner in India’s broader geoeconomic and geopolitical outreach.
As India and Argentina align on shared values of democracy, sustainable development, and multipolarity, this visit signals a renewed commitment to building a modern, forward-looking partnership that addresses both nations’ ambitions on the global stage.
