India-Argentina Ties

GS2 – International Relations

Context:

The Indian Prime Minister recently visited Argentina as part of a broader outreach to the Global South, strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Geographical & Economic Significance of Argentina

• Location:
  Southern South America; borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Key Cities and Features:
  • Capital: Buenos Aires
  • Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city.
  • Landscape includes the Andes Mountains, Pampas plains, and Patagonia Plateau.
  • Rivers like Parana and Rio de la Plata support agriculture and trade.
• Natural Resources:
  • Holds 3rd largest global lithium reserves, 4th in lithium production.
  • 2nd largest shale gas reserves and 4th largest shale oil reserves globally.

India-Argentina Bilateral Relations

Historical Ties

• Early Interactions:
  Argentine traveller Lucio V Mansilla visited India in 1848.
  In 1924, Rabindranath Tagore visited Argentina, fostering cultural bonds in art, music, and philosophy.
  Tagore composed the poetry collection Purabi during his stay.
• Diplomatic Milestones:
  • PM Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1968 was the last major diplomatic engagement before the recent one.
  • In 2024, both countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Areas of Cooperation

• Political Engagement:
  Elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2019.
• Trade Relations:
  • India was Argentina’s 5th largest trading partner in 2024.
  • Bilateral trade volume: ~$5.2 billion.
  • India’s exports: Petrochemicals, yarn, fabrics, pharmaceuticals.
  • India’s imports: Vegetable oils, minerals, residual oils.
• Energy Collaboration:
  • Argentina is part of the Lithium Triangle (with Chile & Bolivia).
  • Indian company KABIL is exploring 15,000 hectares for lithium extraction in Catamarca Province.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • HAL signed an MoU on helicopter spare parts and maintenance.
  • Joint commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation.