India has expressed strong interest in Argentina’s rich lithium reserves, with plans underway for public and private sector investments aimed at securing critical minerals essential for the country’s energy transition and industrial growth, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.
Addressing a press conference in Buenos Aires, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran highlighted that Indian public sector entities—including Coal India Limited and Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)—are actively working on implementing lithium-related investments in Argentina, a key part of the “Lithium Triangle” in South America.
“Argentina is a part of the Lithium Triangle. It is of great interest to us. Coal India and KABIL, a consortium specifically tasked with securing critical minerals abroad, have signed five concession agreements,” Kumaran said. “They are now working to finalise and implement these investments so that the minerals can be produced, refined, and exported to India.”
Kumaran also noted growing Indian private sector involvement. Two Indian-linked companies—Greenco (India) and UAE-based Indian-owned World Metal Alloys—have already invested in lithium concessions in Argentina.
“Hopefully, we will see more cooperation in the coming years,” he added.
The remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, during which the two leaders discussed strategic cooperation in energy and critical minerals. PM Modi highlighted India’s rising energy and industrial needs and called Argentina a “reliable partner” in meeting those demands.
“Argentina’s reserves of lithium, copper, and rare earth elements align with India’s need for secure and sustainable resources for its clean energy transition,” said Kumaran.
Argentina was the third destination on PM Modi’s five-nation tour, following visits to Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. His itinerary continues with Brazil, where he will attend the BRICS Summit, followed by a final stop in Namibia.
