In land of minerals and Maradona: PM Modi arrives in Argentina; what’s on agenda, why visit matters

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Argentina on a two-day visit. He will hold talks with the top leadership of the country to review existing cooperation and explore ways to strengthen ties in important areas.

PM Modi landed at the Ezeiza International Airport on Friday evening (local time). Upon his arrival, he received a ceremonial welcome. This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Modi had earlier visited the country in 2018 to attend the G20 Summit.


"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," PM Modi said in a post on X.



This is the third stop in his ongoing five-nation tour. Before this, he was in Trinidad and Tobago.

India eyes Argentina’s shale reserves, lithium for energy security

PM Modi’s visit to Argentina is the first Indian bilateral prime ministerial visit in over five decades. According to the ministry of external affairs, the visit is expected to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Argentina.


In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20." He also said he looked forward to discussions with President Javier Milei, whom he had met last year.

Argentina holds the world’s second-largest shale gas reserves and the fourth-largest shale oil reserves. It also has significant conventional oil and gas deposits, positioning it as a potential long-term energy partner for India.

The country is also rich in critical minerals such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements. These are important for India’s plans for clean energy and industrial growth. Along with Bolivia and Chile, Argentina is part of the Lithium Triangle, a region that holds a large share of the world’s lithium reserves.

Lithium plays a central role in rechargeable batteries, which are used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops, and systems that store renewable energy.

What’s on PM Modi’s agenda

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Argentina's President Javier Milei to explore cooperation in areas like defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment.

"We will focus on advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment," Modi had said.

PM Modi will also visit the famous Boca Juniors Stadium to have a look at Argentine football, news agency ANI reported. Argentine football legend Diego Maradona played for Boca Juniors twice during his career. He first joined the club in 1981 and then returned for a second stint from 1995 to1997.

Before arriving in Argentina, the prime minister concluded a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago. During that visit, six agreements were signed to expand ties, and Modi was conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, which is the country's highest civilian honour. He is the first foreign leader to receive this award.

After Argentina, Modi will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th Brics Summit and then make a state visit. His final stop will be Namibia.