How Was PM Modi Welcomed by Argentina's President Milei at the Historic Casa Rosada?
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Synopsis
On July 5, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by President Milei at Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, marking a historic moment for India-Argentina relations. The leaders are set to discuss key economic and trade interests during this significant bilateral visit, which is part of Modi's five-nation tour.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's historic visit to Argentina marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.
- The focus will be on enhancing economic cooperation and trade.
- Key discussions will include defense, agriculture, and renewable energy.
- Argentina is a vital partner in mineral resources for India's green energy goals.
- Bilateral trade has significantly increased, indicating strong economic ties.
Buenos Aires, July 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from Argentina's President Javier Milei at the historic Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires as the two leaders commenced their bilateral discussions on Saturday.
PM Modi's arrival in Argentina marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American country in 57 years. This visit is the third stop on his five-nation tour, which began with stops in Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week. Following Argentina, he will travel to Brazil (July 5-8) and Namibia (July 9).
To kick off the visit, the Prime Minister paid homage at the statue of General Jose de San Martin, an esteemed freedom fighter and national hero of Argentina.
A ceremonial welcome was held before the start of delegation-level discussions, followed by a lunch hosted by President Milei in honor of PM Modi.
Since 2019, Argentina has been a strategic partner of India, and last year both nations celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations.
This visit comes at a critical juncture as Argentina embarks on significant economic reforms akin to those undertaken by India in the past, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of this historic event.
The two leaders are anticipated to deliberate on topics concerning economic and trade interests to further reinforce their bilateral ties.
MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran stated, "India's progress in defense manufacturing, the space sector, and emerging fields like information technology and DPI can provide valuable insights and experiences that we can share with Argentina. Our expertise in Telemedicine and Digital healthcare solutions can also assist Argentina in expanding access to healthcare services and enhancing overall quality and cost-efficient healthcare delivery."
Both leaders are set to review ongoing collaborations and explore ways to further strengthen the India-Argentina partnership in crucial sectors such as defense, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, and investment, as well as enhancing people-to-people connections.
India and Argentina have made notable progress in bilateral cooperation regarding mineral resources, especially in lithium, an essential component for India's transition to green energy. An MOU for collaboration in this sector was signed in August 2022, with the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group under the MOU taking place in January 2025.
With the world's second-largest shale gas reserves and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, Argentina is poised to become a vital energy partner for India. Additionally, Argentina's abundant reserves of critical minerals like lithium, copper, and other rare earth elements align with India's escalating demand for secure and sustainable supplies for its clean energy transition and industrial growth. India's public sector entity, KABIL, has secured several concessions in Argentina since 2024, with plans for further discussions on this topic during the visit, Kumaran added.
Notably, India-Argentina bilateral trade has more than doubled from 2019 to 2022, reaching a peak of USD 6.4 billion in 2022. In 2021 and 2022, India ranked as Argentina's fourth-largest trading partner. Argentina serves as a primary supplier of edible oils—soybean and sunflower—to India. In 2024, total annual bilateral trade between India and Argentina increased by 33 percent to USD 5.23 billion, positioning India as Argentina's fifth-largest trading partner and export destination.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the significance of PM Modi's visit to Argentina. This engagement not only symbolizes the strengthening of diplomatic ties but also opens avenues for economic collaboration in critical sectors. The potential growth in bilateral trade can greatly benefit both nations, fostering mutual prosperity.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of PM Modi's visit to Argentina?
PM Modi's visit is significant as it marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, emphasizing the strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
What topics will PM Modi and President Milei discuss?
The discussions will cover various topics, including trade, defense, agriculture, and renewable energy, aiming to enhance cooperation between India and Argentina.
How has India-Argentina trade evolved?
India-Argentina trade has more than doubled from 2019 to 2022, peaking at USD 6.4 billion, with India being a key trading partner for Argentina.
What is the focus of the collaboration in mineral resources?
The collaboration focuses on lithium and other critical minerals essential for India's green energy transition, with an MOU signed in 2022 to enhance cooperation in this sector.
How does this visit impact the future of India-Argentina relations?
This visit is expected to significantly impact future relations by potentially expanding economic partnerships and collaborations in various sectors, fostering long-term growth for both nations.
