PM Modi Begins Landmark Argentina Visit With Warm Reception At Casa Rosada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received with ceremonial honours by Argentine President Javier Milei at the iconic Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years.

The momentous occasion, part of  PM Modi’s five-nation tour, underscores growing diplomatic and economic engagement between India and South America.

PM Modi began his visit by paying homage at the statue of General José de San Martín, Argentina’s revered freedom fighter and national hero.

President Milei hosted a formal welcome for Prime Minister Modi at Casa Rosada, followed by delegation-level talks and a luncheon in the Prime Minister’s honour.

Prime Minister Modi visited Argentina after stops in Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago, and will continue his tour with visits to Brazil (July 5–8) and Namibia (July 9).

Strategic dialogue & cooperation

India and Argentina have enjoyed a strategic partnership since 2019, and celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.

The current visit takes place at a crucial time as Argentina undergoes major economic reforms, which mirror India’s own liberalisation journey of the past.

Ahead of the visit, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran noted that India’s advancements in defence manufacturing, space, information technology, and digital public infrastructure (DPI) can offer valuable support to Argentina.

He also highlighted India’s capabilities in telemedicine and digital healthcare as promising avenues for cooperation.

A major area of interest is critical minerals, especially lithium, which is vital for India’s green energy transition.

Argentina holds the world’s second-largest shale gas reserves and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, as well as extensive deposits of lithium, copper, and rare earth elements.

India’s public sector company KABIL has already secured mining concessions in Argentina since 2024.

Discussions during the visit are expected to further India’s access to these key resources.

India and Argentina have seen remarkable growth in bilateral trade, which more than doubled from 2019 to 2022, reaching USD 6.4 billion at its peak.

In 2024, trade rose by 33%, bringing the total to USD 5.23 billion and placing India as Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner.

Argentina remains one of India’s leading suppliers of edible oils, such as soybean and sunflower oil, while India exports chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and IT services.

The visit aims to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in defence, agriculture, renewable energy, mining, digital technology, and people-to-people ties.

As both countries seek sustainable development through shared innovation and trade, this historic engagement reaffirms their commitment to a strong, strategic, and future-facing partnership.

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