In a landmark diplomatic development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Javier Milei agreed to deepen the India-Argentina strategic partnership, with a strong focus on defence, energy, critical minerals, and trade diversification.
This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, coinciding with two major milestones:
- 75 years of diplomatic relations
- 5 years since ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership
During the high-level meeting in Buenos Aires, both leaders expressed strong commitment to unlocking new opportunities across sectors and expanding regional cooperation.
Key Highlights
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Strengthened Strategic Ties
Emphasis on collaboration in defence, security, energy, critical minerals, and space technology. -
Green Energy Boost
Continued focus on lithium cooperation—vital for India’s electric vehicle and renewable energy goals.
- MoU on mineral cooperation signed in 2022
- First working group meeting held in January 2024
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Agricultural Cooperation
A new Joint Working Group on Agriculture will be formed to enhance market access and boost bilateral agri-trade. - Healthcare & Pharma Opportunities in pharmaceutical exports and health tech collaboration were discussed.
- Growing Trade Volumes
- Bilateral trade surged to $6.4 billion in 2022, doubled from 2019
- In 2024, trade stood at $5.23 billion
- India is now Argentina’s 5th-largest trading partner
- Regional Trade Push
Modi pushed for expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement to deepen ties with Latin America’s key economies.
Diplomatic Signals
Modi called his talks with Milei “excellent” and expressed optimism for future collaboration. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, areas of mutual interest also include space exploration, sports diplomacy, and technology innovation.
This visit reaffirms India’s growing strategic presence in Latin America and marks a new chapter in its South-South cooperation strategy, especially in the global supply chain and critical minerals space.