India and Argentina have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen their strategic and economic partnership, with the two sides reviewing progress on an agreed roadmap and identifying new avenues for trade, investment and technology cooperation.
The Fourth Meeting of the India-Argentina Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held on August 24 at Palacio San Martín here. The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, while the Argentine side was headed by Ambassador Fernando Brun, Secretary for International Economic Relations.
The two sides reviewed progress on the roadmap agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Argentina in 2025 and reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral economic engagement.
Bilateral trade crossed USD 6.5 billion in 2025, registering annual growth of more than 17 per cent. India has emerged as Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner, underscoring the scope for further expansion and diversification of bilateral trade.
The two sides discussed Argentina’s efforts to facilitate foreign trade, reduce non-tariff barriers and promote investment. They also stressed the need for greater reciprocity and a more balanced framework of opportunities for businesses as economic ties expand.
Investment opportunities in mining, energy and infrastructure were also discussed, including the continued engagement of India’s KABIL in Argentina’s lithium sector.
KABIL’s mining activities in Catamarca, its first lithium mining initiative in Argentina, have progressed with the completion of Phase II drilling. Further opportunities in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy are also being explored.
The meeting also noted progress in facilitating market access for Indian agricultural products. Technical-level discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary measures are advancing for Indian onions, milk and milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.
The developments are expected to expand opportunities for Indian farmers and exporters and strengthen bilateral agricultural trade.
Significant progress was also reported in facilitating market access for Indian pharmaceutical products. Argentina has committed to work towards upgrading India’s status from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework and reducing barriers to entry.
The move is expected to create greater opportunities for Indian pharmaceutical companies and improve access to affordable healthcare products in Argentina.
Building on a 2019 memorandum of understanding between Argentina’s ANMAT and India’s CDSCO, both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation through joint initiatives in Ayurveda and Yoga.
Emerging sectors including aviation, space technology, telecommunications and digital services were identified as areas with further potential, particularly in 5G, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
The India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement was also discussed as an important avenue for expanding market access and strengthening economic integration. Progress on the Terms of Reference and the adoption of digital certificates of origin are expected to facilitate cross-border trade.
The JTC was followed by a meeting with Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Pablo Quirno and representatives of the G6 industry chambers. The interaction provided inputs from the Argentine business community on opportunities in the bilateral economic relationship and highlighted the need to align government initiatives with industry requirements.
Agrawal also held meetings with National Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Sergio Iraeta to review the roadmap on onions, citrus, dairy, walnuts, grapes and bananas.
He met Secretary of Deregulation Alejandro Cacace to discuss non-tariff barriers and regulatory recognition for Indian pharmaceuticals. Discussions on space and nuclear cooperation were held with Secretary of Innovación, Ciencia y Tecnología Adriana Baravalle, along with Josefina Pérez of CONAE and Jimena Schiaffino, Director for the Nuclear and Space Sector, including a proposed ISRO-CONAE meeting.
The engagement continued with the India-Argentina Business Forum held on August 25 at Palacio San Martín. The forum brought together government representatives and businesses from both countries.
Agrawal led the first and largest-ever Indian business delegation to Argentina, comprising more than 25 business leaders, including representatives from UPL, Kirloskar and Aditya Birla Group.
The delegation held discussions with Argentine businesses to identify opportunities for trade, investment and partnerships across agriculture, minerals, energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, tourism, banking and telecommunications.
The discussions focused on translating government-to-government engagement into commercial outcomes by improving market access, addressing regulatory and trade barriers and promoting greater business-to-business cooperation.
The India-Argentina economic partnership offers significant scope for expanding trade, deepening investment and creating new avenues for value creation, with greater cooperation across traditional and emerging sectors expected to support growth in both economies.
