Why in NEWS
India’s Prime Minister visited Argentina for the first time in 57 years, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations and 5 years of their Strategic Partnership. He was awarded the “Key to the City of Buenos Aires,” signaling deepening bilateral and global engagement.
Key Terms & Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| MERCOSUR | A South American trade bloc including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay |
| Strategic Partnership | Elevated diplomatic relationship involving defence, economy, and multilateral coordination |
| Lithium Triangle | Region in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile) rich in lithium reserves |
| UPI | Unified Payments Interface – India’s real-time digital payments system |
| ITEC & ICCR | Indian government programs offering technical training and cultural exchange |
Key Highlights of PM’s Visit
| Focus Area | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| Trade & Economy | Expansion of India–MERCOSUR PTA; aim to reduce dependency on primary commodities |
| Energy Cooperation | Joint projects in shale oil/gas; partnership between ONGC Videsh and Argentina’s YPF |
| Defence & Digital Tech | Tech transfer in defence; adoption of UPI, telemedicine, and other Indian platforms |
| Strategic & Cultural Relations | Honouring San Martín; enhanced South-South cooperation; recognition of Indian soft power |
Key Areas of Cooperation
| Domain | Details |
|---|---|
| Political | Strategic Partnership since 2019; strong democratic alignment |
| Economic | Trade reached USD 5.2 billion in 2024; 53.9% growth in 2025 |
| Key Exports/Imports | India exports pharma, textiles; imports soybean oil, cereals |
| Energy & Minerals | India invests in lithium mining via KABIL; Argentina part of Lithium Triangle |
| Defence | HAL–Argentine Air Force projects; nuclear collaboration |
| Technical Cooperation | ITEC, ICCR, ISRO-UNNATI, IA-CEIT skill development |
| Cultural Linkages | Strong presence of yoga, Ayurveda, ISKCON; legacy of Tagore–Ocampo bond |
India–Latin America Relations: Evolution
| Aspect | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| Historical Roots | PM Nehru’s 1961 Mexico visit; Indira Gandhi’s 1968 tour; Tagore’s 1924 Buenos Aires stay |
| Trade & Economy | India–LAC trade hit USD 43.2 billion in 2023; projected to reach USD 100 bn by 2027 |
| Agreements | PTAs with Chile and MERCOSUR; deepening South-South trade engagement |
| Political Coordination | Brazil key ally via BRICS, IBSA, G20; shared stance on global issues |
| Cultural Philosophy | Gandhi’s non-violence resonates deeply; promoted by civil societies in LAC |
In a Nutshell
T.A.L.K. = Trade, Autonomy, Lithium, Knowledge-sharing
India–Argentina ties reflect shared goals in Trade growth, Autonomy in global strategy, Lithium cooperation, and Knowledge-based development.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which Latin American country is part of the Lithium Triangle?
A. Peru
B. Venezuela
C. Argentina
D. Ecuador - The India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement was signed in:
A. 1999
B. 2001
C. 2004
D. 2009 - Victoria Ocampo is best known for her contribution to:
A. Indian agriculture
B. Oil diplomacy
C. India–Argentina cultural exchange
D. Defence training
Mains Practice Questions
- How can India’s growing ties with Argentina and Latin America complement its Act East and energy security policies? (GS2 – IR)
- Discuss the role of shared democratic and cultural values in shaping India’s strategic partnerships in Latin America. (GS2 – IR)
Prelims Answer Key
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Argentina is part of the Lithium Triangle with Chile and Bolivia |
| 2 | C | India–MERCOSUR PTA was signed in 2004 and operational since 2009 |
| 3 | C | Ocampo hosted Tagore and promoted Indian culture through her journal Sur |
