Modi in Argentina: Talks With President Milei in Buenos Aires
Why in the news
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on 4 July 2025 for a bilateral visit, the third stop of his five-nation tour. He held talks with President Javier Milei.
Key facts
- The visit is the first bilateral trip by an Indian PM to Argentina since Indira Gandhi in 1968.
- It coincides with 75 years of diplomatic relations and five years of the Strategic Partnership.
- Modi was given the Key to the City of Buenos Aires.
- Trade was USD 5.2 billion in 2024; India is described as Argentina’s fourth-largest trading partner.
| Area | Outcome discussed |
|---|---|
| Energy | Shale cooperation, including ONGC Videsh and state firm YPF |
| Trade | Expanding the India-MERCOSUR PTA |
| Defence | Co-development and technology transfer |
| Minerals | Cooperation on critical minerals, especially lithium |
| Other | Space, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure |
About India-Argentina ties
Argentina holds the world’s second-largest shale gas reserves and fourth-largest shale oil reserves, which explains the energy focus. Indian exports include petroleum products, agrochemicals, textiles and pharmaceuticals, while soybean oil, leather and cereals come to India.
Exam angle
- Link the visit with lithium and shale energy, a likely static-GK angle.
- The India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement is the pact both sides want to expand.
- Capital and leader: Buenos Aires and Javier Milei.