PM Modi’s Visit to Argentina Marks Historic Renewal of Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on July 4, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Warmly received by President Javier Milei, the leaders exchanged greetings with a heartfelt embrace, symbolizing a new chapter in India-Argentina relations.

Modi’s visit is part of a broader tour across five Global South nations. In Buenos Aires, he paid tribute to Argentina’s national hero General José de San Martín, laying a wreath at his statue. During his meeting with Milei and other top Argentinian officials, discussions were held to strengthen existing cooperation and explore new avenues in trade, defense, energy, and agriculture.

In 2024, India and Argentina celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties. Trade and investment between the two countries have been expanding, particularly in sectors like mining and renewable energy. Argentina’s lithium reserves, crucial for India’s green energy goals, have been a major area of collaboration. India also emerged as Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner this year.

Three lesser-known facts highlight the depth of Indo-Argentinian ties:

The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister was Indira Gandhi’s 1968 South America tour, during which she also met renowned writer Victoria Ocampo in Buenos Aires.

The first recorded visit by an Argentine to India dates back to 1848, when Lucio V. Mansilla, a 17-year-old Argentine traveler, journeyed through India and published his experiences in a travel journal in 1850.

As Modi’s historic visit rekindles bilateral relations, both nations aim to deepen strategic cooperation, enhance cultural ties, and boost economic engagement in the years ahead.