Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic two‑day official visit to Argentina (July 4–5), with this being the first bilateral official prime ministerial visit from India to Argentina in fifty-seven years. An important moment in India–Argentina ties!
After landing at Ezeiza International Airport, PM Modi received a ceremonial reception and was greeted enthusiastically by the Indian diaspora at the Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires. He provided this moving message via social media: “Distance is no barrier when there is a cultural connection!” Festivities at the reception included Argentine artists showcasing Indian classical dance performances, contributing to India’s global soft power.
Strategic Priorities and Agenda
Overall, this visit is a part of PM Modi’s five-nation journey across Africa and Latin America, as it demonstrates India’s commitment to the Global South. His consultations with Argentine President Javier Milei will include discussions of energy, mining, defense, trade, agriculture, and cooperation on clean energy.
Argentina, a resource-rich country abundant in lithium, copper, and rare earth minerals, is a critical country for India’s green economy ambitions. The nature of the partnership would also stimulate new public sector investment in the mining and energy sectors. There is also potential for collaboration on agricultural trade, namely soy and sunflower oil.
Why is it important
Energy & Mineral Security: The lithium and gas reserves of Argentina fuel India’s renewable energy ambition.
75 years of diplomatic relations with economic and defense partnerships.
Expands India’s geopolitical influence beyond existing Indonesian products.
Strengthen diaspora ties and Indian culture overseas.
What’s next
PM Modi will pay his respects at the General José de San Martín memorial and visit the famed Boca Juniors stadium. The visit to Argentina is part of the regional diplomatic mission to South America (which will also lead to the BRICS Summit in Brazil and then finish up in Namibia) that continues India’s proactive foreign policy engagement with the developing world.
