PM Modi in Argentina: First Indian PM to Visit in 57 Years, Meets President Milei to Deepen Ties
Buenos Aires, July 5, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on Saturday, marking a historic moment as the first Indian Prime Minister to undertake a bilateral visit to Argentina in 57 years. The visit, part of Modi’s ongoing five-nation tour, aims to reinvigorate Indo-Argentine ties across strategic sectors including defence, energy, minerals, agriculture, and trade.
In a moment of warmth and camaraderie, Argentine President Javier Milei greeted PM Modi with a hug, setting a positive tone for the high-level bilateral talks that followed.
“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,” Modi posted on X shortly after his arrival.
Historic Bilateral Talks Focus on Strategic Convergence
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions covering critical areas of mutual interest. A major highlight of the talks was a joint commitment to diversify the bilateral trade basket and deepen strategic cooperation.
According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both countries expressed a strong desire to expand engagement in the following areas:
- Defence and Security Cooperation
- Oil and Natural Gas Exploration
- Renewable Energy Development
- Agricultural Innovation
- Mining and Critical Minerals
- Bilateral Trade and Investment
“Both leaders emphasised on boosting defence cooperation between the two countries as it will serve each other’s strategic interests,” the MEA noted.
India and Argentina, both major democracies and G20 members, are now looking to leverage their complementarity in sectors such as lithium, where Argentina is among the world’s leading producers—a key resource for India’s electric vehicle and battery ecosystem.
Modi Pays Tribute at San Martin Memorial
Before his meeting with President Milei, PM Modi visited the Monumento al General San Martín—an iconic memorial dedicated to José de San Martín, the liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. His gesture was widely viewed as a mark of respect for Argentina's heritage and a signal of India’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties.
First Visit in Over Half a Century
This marks the first Indian Prime Ministerial bilateral visit to Argentina since 1968. While PM Modi had previously visited the country in 2018 for the G20 Summit, this current visit is focused solely on deepening bilateral relations.
“The visit reflects India’s renewed focus on engaging with Latin America, particularly with major economies like Argentina that hold significant geostrategic and economic value,” said an MEA official.
President Milei Invited to Visit India
During the talks, PM Modi extended a formal invitation to President Milei to visit India at an early opportunity.
“He also invited the President to visit the lion sanctuary in Gujarat, and promised that it will be an enjoyable experience for him,” said MEA Secretary (East) Periasamy Kumaran.
The lion sanctuary invitation, though symbolic, underscores India’s soft diplomacy approach and a desire to build a warm, personal rapport between the two leaders.
Growing Energy & Mining Partnership
Argentina, which is part of the "Lithium Triangle" along with Bolivia and Chile, has become a focal point of India’s strategy to secure critical minerals for its clean energy future. India has been actively exploring lithium trade deals and mining partnerships across Latin America, and Saturday’s meeting could pave the way for long-term cooperation in this domain.
Similarly, Argentina's vast shale oil and gas reserves offer opportunities for India to diversify its energy imports beyond traditional partners in the Middle East.
The Road Ahead: BRICS & Beyond
Following his two-day Argentina visit, PM Modi will travel to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, before concluding his five-nation tour with a state visit to Namibia.
Modi’s ongoing diplomatic outreach is seen as part of India’s strategy to build stronger South-South cooperation, amplify its influence in the Global South, and secure new economic and strategic partnerships in a rapidly evolving multipolar world.
Why This Visit Matters
- Strengthening South-South Ties: Argentina is an important Latin American economy. This visit signals India’s intention to engage more deeply with the region.
- Securing Strategic Resources: Lithium and shale gas partnerships can support India’s energy security and EV transition goals.
- Defence Diplomacy: Enhanced military and defence cooperation with Argentina gives India a new partner in the Western Hemisphere.
In Summary
PM Modi’s visit to Argentina is not just symbolic but deeply strategic. As India diversifies its foreign policy and trade relations, ties with resource-rich, democratically-aligned nations like Argentina are becoming increasingly significant.
With warmth, symbolism, and substantive policy dialogue on full display, the Buenos Aires leg of Modi’s tour has positioned India and Argentina on a promising path to greater collaboration in the years ahead.