Javier Milei welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Casa Rosada

President Javier Milei received the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, this morning at the Casa Rosada, where they discussed strengthening trade exchange in key sectors such as agriculture, lithium, energy, and the nuclear area, among others.

The meeting began shortly after 11, when both leaders greeted each other cordially and amicably alongside Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, then moved to the presidential office.

Modi arrived in Argentina around 11 p.m. on Friday. "I landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit that will focus on strengthening relations with Argentina," he posted on his social media exactly at 10:41 p.m.

"I am looking forward to meeting President Javier Milei and having detailed conversations with him," added the Prime Minister, who was received by an official delegation.

Milei and Modi had already met previously at the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, as well as at other prior meetings. Back then, Modi stated on his social media: "I had an outstanding meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. India values its close friendship with Argentina." He also noted that they discussed enhancing cooperation in sectors such as energy, defense industry, trade, and culture.

It is worth noting that this is the first formal bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1968, when Indira Gandhi was received by then de facto President Juan Carlos Onganía.

The Prime Minister of India made a brief stop in Buenos Aires before continuing his trip to Brazil, where on the 6th and 7th of this month he will participate in the 17th BRICS summit, comprised of 11 nations, including Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa, and India.

A great opportunity

India, which today holds the title of most populous country in the world, is emerging as the third global economic power in the coming years and shows a growing demand for both food and energy. This scenario positions the Asian country as a priority partner for Argentina in terms of exports and economic cooperation.

Argentine government officials highlighted that moving forward with an agreement with India would allow access to a large market, not only because of its population but also due to its economic dynamism and sustained growth.

They also emphasized that the increase in Indian demand for agri-food products and energy resources opens significant opportunities for the national agribusiness and energy sectors, while potentially giving rise to joint technological innovation and productive development projects.

Meanwhile, from Narendra Modi's government, a clear interest has been expressed in consolidating Argentina as a strategic partner and a platform to channel investments in the energy and mining sectors.

In this context, last February the First Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Mineral Resources between both countries was held. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of International Economic Relations of the Argentine Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Luis María Kreckler, and by the Secretary of Mining of the Nation, Luis Lucero. Representing the Indian government was Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines.

During the session, joint initiatives were analyzed, technical information was shared, and possible investment projects were evaluated, with the aim of expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of mining.