GLOBAL SOUTH: Indian PM Modi Secures Strategic Gains in Timely Argentina Visit

Marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in over half a century, Narendra Modi’s trip to Buenos Aires signals a decisive strategic reset between two of the Global South’s most prominent democracies. 

The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina — and comes at a moment of political realignment under President Javier Milei’s leadership.

Image Source: PMNaMo on X

Modi and Milei held wide-ranging talks at Casa Rosada, focusing on critical minerals, fintech, pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy, agriculture, and digital public infrastructure. 

A major highlight: Argentina’s openness to adopting India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) — positioning India as a potential digital partner in Latin America. 

The leaders also discussed expanding the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement and enhancing cooperation in defence, drone technology, and climate resilience.

President Milei’s strong condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India's Kashmir underscored a deepening security alignment. 

Modi thanked Milei for standing with India against terrorism, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts and defending democratic values.

Cultural diplomacy added depth to the visit. Modi paid tributes to Argentine national hero General José de San Martín, Indian icons Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, and received the symbolic Key to the City of Buenos Aires — a rare civic honour. 

The visit closed with a shared commitment to amplify the voice of the Global South and reinvigorate a bilateral partnership with global ambition.