PM Modi arrives in Argentina on a bilateral visit for the first time in 57 years. This visit is crucial for strengthening India-Argentina cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, agriculture, and minerals.
PM Modi Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a five-nation foreign tour. After Trinidad and Tobago, he has now arrived in Argentina. This visit is historic in many ways, as it marks the first time in 57 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Argentina on a bilateral trip. This visit is expected to give a new direction to the strategic and economic partnership between India and Argentina.
First Bilateral Visit in 57 Years
Although PM Modi visited Argentina in 2018, that trip was for the G20 summit, which was a multilateral event. This time, the visit is solely aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. Agreements and discussions are taking place in several key areas during this visit, including defense, energy, agriculture, science, renewable energy, and mineral resources.
Warm Welcome for PM Modi
When PM Narendra Modi arrived at Ezeiza International Airport in Argentina, he was given a formal guard of honor. Following this, he met with President Javier Milei. Extensive discussions were held between the two leaders on bilateral interests. The meeting addressed issues such as investment, defense cooperation, energy security, and climate change.
Why is Cooperation Growing Between India and Argentina?
Relations between India and Argentina have strengthened significantly in recent years. India's needs for energy and mineral resources and Argentina's abundant natural resources complement each other.
Mineral Resources: Argentina is a major source of rare minerals like lithium. This mineral is essential for electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing. This partnership could prove very important under India's EV policy.
Oil and Gas: Argentina's Vaca Muerta project is one of the world's largest shale gas reserves. This could open up a path for long-term energy partnership for India.
Agriculture: Argentina is a leader in agricultural products. India can import items like grains, oilseeds, and animal feed from there, which will strengthen food security.
Renewable Energy: Argentina has participated in India's International Solar Alliance (ISA). This creates opportunities for collaboration in solar energy and other green technologies.
Visits to Brazil and Namibia are Also Important
After Argentina, PM Modi will go to Brazil, where he will participate in the BRICS summit. Discussions on global economic and political issues will be held at this summit. Subsequently, he will undertake a state visit to Namibia, with a special focus on India-Africa cooperation.
Highest Honor Received in Trinidad and Tobago
Earlier, PM Modi visited Trinidad and Tobago, where he was awarded the country's highest civilian honor, the "Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago". He became the first foreign leader to receive this honor. During this visit, six significant agreements were signed between the two countries related to digital transactions, trade, culture, and maritime cooperation.
