PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Argentina After 57 Years Deepens Strategic Partnership

PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Argentina: First Bilateral Visit in 57 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a historic state visit to Argentina in July 2025 — the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. The visit marked the third leg of his five-nation tour (after Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago, followed by Brazil and Namibia).

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Ceremonial Engagements
  • Paid tribute at the Monument of General José de San Martín (Argentina’s freedom fighter).
  • Felicitated with the “Key to the City of Buenos Aires” by Jorge Macri, Head of City Government.
  • Paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in Buenos Aires.
• Bilateral Talks with President Javier Milei
  • Strategic Sectors Discussed: Trade, defence, space, health & pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture, mining, and digital cooperation.
  • Energy & Critical Minerals: Argentina, with the world’s 2nd-largest shale gas reserves and significant lithium, copper, and rare earth deposits, assured cooperation with India to meet clean energy and industrial needs.
  • Pharmaceuticals: India requested to be moved from Annexe-II to Annexe-I in Argentina’s pharma regulatory framework to ease entry of Indian medicines. Argentina assured fast-track approvals for drugs with USFDA/EMA clearance.
  • Space Cooperation: Building on ISRO’s 2007 launch of Argentina’s first satellite; discussions on joint satellite development, launch services, and applications.
  • Digital Payments: Argentina expressed strong interest in India’s UPI platform; agreement for a central bank delegation visit to study it.
  • Agriculture: Emphasis on dairy, market access, and sustainable technology sharing.
• People-to-People & Cultural Diplomacy
  • Modi received a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora in Buenos Aires.
  • Extension of cultural diplomacy through tributes to global icons (Gandhi & Tagore).
  • Discussions on sports cooperation — combining Argentina’s strength in football with India’s cricket.

Significance of the Visit

• First Indian PM visit to Argentina in nearly six decades.
• Strengthens India-Argentina Strategic Partnership (2019).
• Aligns Argentina’s critical minerals with India’s energy transition & Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
• Expands South-South Cooperation and India’s outreach in Latin America.
• Reinforces India’s global positioning through digital, defence, space, and pharma diplomacy.
  
  Updated - July 6, 2025 4:44 AM | News On Air