Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Argentine President Javier Milei to explore deeper cooperation in the fields of energy and critical minerals, highlighting Argentina’s potential to become a “reliable partner” in India’s clean energy and industrial ambitions.
Briefing the media after the bilateral talks, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran underscored the strategic importance of Argentina’s vast reserves of lithium, copper, and rare earth elements—resources that are essential for India’s green transition and manufacturing sectors.
“The two leaders had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical mineral sectors,” said Kumaran. “The Prime Minister underlined India’s growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a dependable partner in supporting India’s developmental journey.”
He added that Argentina’s standing as the holder of the world’s second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves positions it to become a significant energy supplier for India.
In addition to energy cooperation, PM Modi also raised the issue of enhancing pharmaceutical trade between the two nations. He urged Argentina to consider moving India from Annexe II to Annexe I of its pharmaceutical regulatory framework—a shift that would allow for a smoother and faster entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market.
“Prime Minister highlighted India’s strength in producing high-quality, affordable medicines and discussed the importance of regulatory upgrades to facilitate their import into Argentina,” Kumaran stated. “The Argentine side informed us about a fast-track approval process already in place for Indian medicines.”
The Indian delegation stressed that improved access to Indian pharmaceuticals could significantly lower healthcare costs and improve access to life-saving medicines for the Argentine population.
Argentina is the third stop on PM Modi’s five-nation tour, following visits to Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. The tour will continue with visits to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit and Namibia.
