As Argentina and India celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, the recent visit of Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino to New Delhi has underscored the deepening partnership between the two nations. Her visit highlighted critical areas of cooperation in agriculture, energy, and defence, while advancing Argentina’s role in contributing to India’s food and energy security.
The 7th Argentina-India Joint Commission meeting on October 8, where Mondino met with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, marked a significant step in bolstering these ties.
Expanding Bilateral Trade
Trade between Argentina and India has grown substantially, with bilateral trade now exceeding $4.5 billion. Argentina is the leading supplier of soybean oil to India and the third-largest provider of sunflower oil, playing a critical role in food security for the Indian market. Minister Mondino noted, “Our agricultural strengths, combined with India’s demand, position us as key contributors to global food security.” Both nations see immense potential in expanding agricultural trade, with Argentina’s expertise in agro-industrial products aligning with India’s growing needs.
Lithium and Energy Cooperation
A key area of collaboration is in the mining and energy sectors, with lithium emerging as a critical focus. Mondino’s visit helped to strengthen ties in this field, as Indian firms continue exploring lithium reserves in Argentina’s Salta and Catamarca provinces. These partnerships are essential for India’s electric vehicle ambitions, as the country seeks a resilient supply chain for critical minerals. “Argentina’s mineral wealth can play a pivotal role in India’s transition to cleaner energy and the electric vehicle revolution,” Mondino remarked.
Argentina is also exploring long-term energy partnerships, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG). During her visit, Mondino reinforced Argentina’s commitment to becoming a key energy supplier for India. YPF, Argentina’s state energy company, has set its sights on the Indian market as it develops its Vaca Muerta shale gas reserves, one of the largest in the world.
Defence and Nuclear Cooperation
Defence ties between the two countries continue to strengthen, building on years of cooperation in military training and technology exchanges. Argentina and India are also advancing their partnership in nuclear technology. The successful completion of a radioisotope production facility in Mumbai by Argentina’s INVAP exemplifies the strategic nature of this collaboration. “Our shared vision for a secure world underpins the trust and respect that define our defence relationship,” Mondino stated.
Shared Values and Future Collaboration
Both Argentina and India share a commitment to democratic values, freedom, and human dignity, principles that have guided their relationship for decades. Mondino expressed gratitude for India’s support on Argentina’s Malvinas issue at the UN, reinforcing the political solidarity between the two nations.
As both countries navigate the complexities of a changing global order, their partnership is poised to grow stronger. Mondino concluded her visit with optimism, stating, “Our shared values and mutual interests ensure that the next 75 years of the Argentine-Indian partnership will be even more prosperous.”
The visit has further solidified Argentina’s role as a vital partner for India in areas of food security, critical minerals, and energy, positioning both nations for a future of enhanced cooperation and shared growth.