New Delhi /Buenos Aires : The Fourth Meeting of the India–Argentina Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held on August 24 at Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires, with both countries reviewing progress in bilateral trade and investment and reaffirming their commitment to deepen the strategic and economic partnership.
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.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed progress on the roadmap agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Argentina in 2025. They also discussed measures to expand and diversify bilateral trade, improve market access and create a more balanced framework of opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Bilateral Trade Crosses USD 6.5 Billion
Bilateral trade between India and Argentina 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, underlining the considerable potential for further expansion of economic relations.
Argentina’s efforts to facilitate foreign trade, reduce non-tariff barriers and promote investment are expected to encourage greater participation by Indian companies in the Argentine market. Both sides emphasised the importance of reciprocity and ensuring that businesses from both countries receive wider and more balanced opportunities as bilateral commerce grows.
Focus on Mining, Lithium and Infrastructure
Investment opportunities in mining, energy and infrastructure were also discussed during the JTC meeting.
The two sides noted the continued engagement of Khanij Bidesh India Limited, or KABIL, in Argentina’s lithium sector. KABIL’s activities in Catamarca represent the first lithium-mining initiative by an Indian company in Argentina. The project has made significant progress with the completion of Phase II drilling.
India and Argentina are also exploring further opportunities in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in critical minerals. Lithium is considered strategically important for batteries, electric vehicles and renewable-energy storage.
Progress on Agricultural Exports
The meeting noted encouraging progress in facilitating the entry of Indian agricultural products into the Argentine market.
Technical discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary measures are advancing for Indian:
- Onions;
- Milk and milk products;
- Grapes;
- Potatoes;
- Bananas; and
- Pulses.
The proposed market access is expected to create new opportunities for Indian farmers and exporters, strengthen bilateral agricultural trade and support India’s broader objective of building a developed economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Greater Access for Indian Pharmaceuticals
Significant progress was also reported in discussions on market access for Indian pharmaceutical products.
Argentina has committed to work towards upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework and reducing entry barriers for Indian companies. The move could provide greater opportunities for Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers and contribute to the availability of quality and affordable healthcare products in Argentina.
The two countries also agreed to build on the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices (ANMAT) and India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
Both sides expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation through joint initiatives in Ayurveda and Yoga.
Emerging Areas of Cooperation
India and Argentina identified several emerging sectors with potential for expanded cooperation, including:
- Aviation;
- Space technology;
- Telecommunications;
- Digital services;
- 5G technology;
- Artificial intelligence; and
- Digital infrastructure.
The two sides also discussed the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement as an important instrument 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 simplify trade procedures and make cross-border commerce more efficient for businesses.
Meetings with Argentine Officials and Industry Representatives
Following the JTC meeting, the Indian delegation met Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Pablo Quirno, along with representatives of the G6 industry chambers.
The interaction provided an opportunity to hear directly from the Argentine business community about opportunities and challenges in the India–Argentina economic relationship. It also highlighted the importance of aligning government initiatives with the needs of industry.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal separately held discussions with:
- Sergio Iraeta, National Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, on the roadmap covering onions, citrus fruits, dairy products, walnuts, grapes and bananas;
- Alejandro Cacace, Secretary of Deregulation, on non-tariff barriers and regulatory recognition for Indian pharmaceuticals; and
- Adriana Baravalle, Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology, along with Josefina Pérez of CONAE and Jimena Schiaffino, Director for the Nuclear and Space Sector, on space and nuclear cooperation.
The discussions also included a proposal for a meeting between ISRO and CONAE, Argentina’s national space activities commission.
India–Argentina Business Forum
The engagement continued with the India–Argentina Business Forum, held on August 25 at Palacio San Martín.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the first and largest-ever Indian business delegation to Argentina, comprising more than 25 business leaders. The delegation included representatives from major Indian companies such as UPL, Kirloskar and the Aditya Birla Group.
The forum brought together government representatives and leading businesses from both countries. It provided a platform for Indian and Argentine companies to explore new partnerships, identify investment opportunities and convert government-to-government engagement into concrete commercial outcomes.
Discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including:
- Agriculture;
- Minerals;
- Energy;
- Pharmaceuticals;
- Healthcare;
- Tourism;
- Banking; and
- Telecommunications.
Participants focused on improving market access, addressing regulatory and trade barriers and facilitating stronger business-to-business engagement.
The India–Argentina economic partnership offers significant opportunities to expand trade, deepen investment and create new avenues for value creation. Greater cooperation across traditional sectors, as well as emerging fields such as critical minerals, digital technology, space and advanced infrastructure, could contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of both economies.