PM MODI's VISIT TO ARGENTINA MARKS A HISTORIC MILESTONE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after completing his historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago, arrived in the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, on the evening of July 4, 2025, at the invitation of Argentine President Alberto Fernández. This is the first bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years.

He was given a rousing welcome at the Ezeiza International Airport with slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Jai Shri Ram. Traditional cultural programmes were also presented to welcome him. The Prime Minister interacted with the NRIs who were eager to see and meet him and thanked them for their affection.

This is PM Modi's second visit to Argentina. Earlier he came here for the G20 summit in 2018. This time his visit is the third leg of his 5-nation tour. This visit is a great opportunity to further strengthen the friendship between India and Argentina.

There was discussion on a partnership between the two countries in many areas ranging from trade and technology to defense and energy. Lithium was also discussed in this visit. India wants to minimize its dependence on China for this mineral.

This visit is being considered as the beginning of a new era in India-Argentina relations. Also, the purpose of this visit is to further strengthen relations with Argentina. This visit is very important not only from a political but also from a diplomatic and economic point of view.

This historic visit will further strengthen the foundation of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and will take India-Argentina relations to new heights in the future.

A strategic partnership was established between the two countries in 2019, and now this visit is being considered as an opportunity to give a practical and comprehensive form to that partnership.

AGREEMENT ON DIVERSIFYING TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Javier Miley agreed to diversify trade between the two countries. The two leaders also pledged to enhance cooperation in several key sectors such as defence, security, energy, agriculture, and minerals.              

PM Modi emphasised taking the relations between the two countries to "even greater heights". The Prime Minister underlined India's growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina can become a reliable partner in India's development journey.

The preferential trade agreement (PTA) is aimed at expanding economic ties between India and the MERCOSUR bloc that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Prime Minister Modi pitched for deeper cooperation between India and Argentina in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in their capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines.

Argentina has the second-largest shale gas and the fourth-largest shale oil reserves and can become an important energy partner for India.

India and Argentina have significant cooperation in the mineral resources sector, particularly in lithium -- a critical input for India's green energy transition.

A MoU on cooperation in the field of mineral resources was signed in August 2022. The first meeting of the joint working group set up under the framework of the MoU was held in January.

The India-Argentina bilateral trade has been on an upswing. The trade volume more than doubled in three years from 2019 to 2022, peaking at $6.4 billion in 2022.

In 2021 and 2022, India was Argentina's fourth-largest trading partner. In 2024, total annual bilateral trade between India and Argentina was $5.23 billion, positioning India as Argentina's fifth-largest trading partner and export destination.

 

OFFERED A FLORAL TRIBUTE AT THE MAUSOLEUM OF A NATIONAL HERO

Prime Minister Modi visited the mausoleum of Argentina's national hero General Jose de San Martin and offered a floral tribute. José de San Martin is also known as the liberator of the South American countries Argentina, Chile, and Peru. This monument was built in 1862 by French sculptor Louis Joseph Dumas.

PM MODI RECEIVES ‘KEY TO THE CITY OF BUENOS’

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Key to the City of Buenos Aires on Saturday during his visit to Argentina- a symbolic honour signifying the friendship and mutual trust between India and Argentina. In a post on X, PM Modi said, “It is an honor to receive the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mr. Jorge Macri, Head of Government of the City of Buenos Aires.”

 

Argentina and India have completed 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both countries have made significant progress in bilateral relations. But both countries agree that the journey ahead is even more promising. After this visit, India's dependence on China in many areas will end. PM Modi said that his visit to Argentina was very productive and discussions held between the two countries will add significant momentum to their friendship.