Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his historic visit to Argentina on Saturday by paying homage to General Jose de San Martin, the nation’s revered liberator. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in nearly six decades.

At the San Martin Memorial in Buenos Aires, PM Modi laid a wreath, honouring the general who led Argentina’s independence movement from 1813 to 1818 and played a key role in liberating Chile and Peru as well.

Following the tribute, PM Modi was warmly received by President Javier Milei at the historic Casa Rosada. The two leaders began bilateral engagements, including delegation-level talks and a ceremonial lunch.

Modi arrived in Argentina on the third leg of his five-nation tour after visiting Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago. His next stops include Brazil and Namibia.

India and Argentina, strategic partners since 2019, celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. The visit comes at a time when Argentina is undergoing economic reforms similar to those India has implemented in the past.

Key topics on the agenda include defence manufacturing, space cooperation, digital public infrastructure, and trade in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and mining. The two nations are also deepening ties in the critical mineral sector, particularly lithium, which is vital for India’s clean energy ambitions.

In 2024, bilateral trade between India and Argentina rose 33% to $5.23 billion. Argentina is also a major supplier of edible oils to India.

Officials say the visit could result in new partnerships, especially in energy and technology, as both countries explore ways to strengthen their strategic and economic ties.