Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Buenos Aires for a landmark bilateral visit with President Javier Milei
A Historic Landing: Rekindling Ties After 57 Years
India-Argentina Ties – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Buenos Aires on July 5, 2025, marks a watershed moment in India’s foreign policy. This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, and it comes at a time when both nations are seeking to redefine their global partnerships.
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Upon landing at Ezeiza International Airport, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome, greeted by chants of “Modi, Modi” from the Indian diaspora and a vibrant cultural performance showcasing India’s soft power. The visit is part of Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour, following his engagements in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote:
“Landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit which will focus on augmenting relations with Argentina. I’m eager to be meeting President Javier Milei and holding detailed talks with him.”
This visit is not just ceremonial, it’s strategic. Argentina, with its vast reserves of lithium, shale gas, and agricultural exports, is a key partner for India’s energy security and food supply diversification. The timing is crucial, as both countries look to expand cooperation in critical minerals, renewable energy, and defense.
Strategic Dialogues: What’s on the Table?
PM Modi’s bilateral talks with President Javier Milei are expected to cover a broad spectrum of cooperation, including:
- Energy Security: Argentina holds the world’s second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves. India is eyeing long-term energy partnerships, especially in LNG and renewables.
- Critical Minerals: With the global EV race heating up, Argentina’s lithium reserves are of immense interest to India’s battery manufacturing ambitions.
- Defense & Security: Discussions are expected to include joint defense production, technology transfers, and maritime cooperation.
- Agriculture & Food Security: Argentina’s agri-tech and export potential align with India’s food diversification goals.
- Trade & Investment: Bilateral trade currently stands at $5.7 billion, with ambitions to double it to $10 billion by 2028.
- People-to-People Ties: Cultural exchanges, tourism, and academic collaborations are also on the agenda.
President Milei, known for his pro-market reforms and admiration for India’s digital and economic transformation, is expected to roll out red carpet diplomacy for Modi. The two leaders previously met at the G20 Summit in Brazil, where they discussed expanding cooperation in multilateral forums.
India-Argentina Ties: A New Chapter in South-South Diplomacy
This visit is more than a bilateral engagement, it’s a symbol of India’s growing footprint in Latin America. For decades, India’s diplomacy in the region was limited to trade fairs and symbolic gestures. Modi’s visit signals a paradigm shift, a move toward strategic, long-term partnerships.
Key Outcomes Expected:
- MoUs on energy cooperation, particularly in lithium exploration and green hydrogen.
- Agreements on defense collaboration, including training and technology sharing.
- Joint ventures in agriculture and food processing.
- Enhanced air connectivity and visa facilitation for business travelers and tourists.
- Cultural diplomacy initiatives, including Indian cultural centers and language programs in Argentina.
The Indian diaspora in Argentina, though small, has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties. Their enthusiastic welcome reflects the emotional resonance of this visit.
“The Josh is very high,” said one diaspora member. “We are proud to see India being recognized on the global stage.”
A Diplomatic Win in the Making
PM Modi’s Buenos Aires visit is not just a diplomatic formality, it’s a strategic recalibration. In a world increasingly defined by multipolar alliances, India is asserting itself as a bridge between the Global North and South.
By engaging with Argentina, a G20 member, a lithium powerhouse, and a rising voice in Latin America, India is future-proofing its energy, trade, and geopolitical interests.
This visit may well be remembered as the moment when India and Argentina moved from friendly ties to strategic allies. And in the grand theatre of global diplomacy, that’s a script worth celebrating.
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