India and Argentina reviewed progress in bilateral trade, investment and technology cooperation, with focus on agriculture, lithium, pharmaceuticals, energy and digital sectors.
India and Argentina Deepen Economic Cooperation
India and Argentina have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic and economic partnership, with both countries reviewing progress under an agreed roadmap and identifying new opportunities in trade, investment and technology.
The Fourth Meeting of the India-Argentina Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held on August 24 at Palacio San MartÃn. The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, while Argentina was represented by Ambassador Fernando Brun, Secretary for International Economic Relations.
The meeting reviewed progress on the roadmap agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Argentina in 2025.
Bilateral Trade Crosses $6.5 Billion
Economic ties between the two countries have continued to expand. Bilateral trade crossed USD 6.5 billion in 2025, registering annual growth of more than 17 per cent.
India has now become Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner, highlighting the growing scope for further diversification of trade and investment.
The two sides discussed efforts to reduce non-tariff barriers, facilitate foreign trade and create a more balanced framework of opportunities for businesses.
Mining, Lithium and Energy Cooperation
Mining, energy and infrastructure emerged as important areas for future investment.
India’s KABIL has continued its engagement in Argentina’s lithium sector. Its mining activities in Catamarca have progressed with the completion of Phase II drilling, while additional opportunities in Salta and Jujuy are being explored.
The cooperation is expected to support India’s efforts to strengthen access to critical minerals while creating investment opportunities in Argentina.
Greater Market Access for Indian Farmers and Pharmaceuticals
The meeting also reviewed progress in opening Argentina’s market to Indian agricultural products. Technical discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary measures are advancing for onions, milk and milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.
Improved market access could create additional opportunities for Indian farmers and exporters.
Significant progress was also reported in the pharmaceutical sector. Argentina has committed to working towards upgrading India’s regulatory status from Annex II to Annex I and reducing barriers to Indian pharmaceutical products.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in Ayurveda and Yoga, building on their 2019 memorandum of understanding between Argentina’s ANMAT and India’s CDSCO.
Emerging Technology Sectors Identified
India and Argentina identified aviation, space technology, telecommunications and digital services as areas with significant future potential.
Cooperation could expand across technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Discussions also covered space and nuclear cooperation, including a proposed meeting between ISRO and Argentina’s CONAE.
The India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement was also discussed as a potential avenue for expanding market access and strengthening economic integration.
Business Forum Strengthens Commercial Engagement
The economic engagement continued on August 25 with the India-Argentina Business Forum at Palacio San MartÃn.
Agrawal led the largest-ever Indian business delegation to Argentina, comprising more than 25 business leaders, including representatives from UPL, Kirloskar and Aditya Birla Group.
Businesses explored opportunities across agriculture, minerals, energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, tourism, banking and telecommunications.
The discussions focused on converting government-level cooperation into practical commercial partnerships by improving market access and addressing regulatory and trade barriers.
Key Takeaways
- India-Argentina bilateral trade crossed USD 6.5 billion in 2025.
- India is Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner.
- Lithium, mining, energy and infrastructure are key investment areas.
- Market access for Indian agricultural and pharmaceutical products is expanding.
- Both countries are exploring cooperation in AI, 5G, space and digital infrastructure.
- The India-Argentina Business Forum brought together over 25 Indian business leaders.
