A historic embrace: India and Argentina chart a new path forward

In an increasingly multipolar world, diplomacy is not just about agreements and protocol, it is about rediscovering shared values, recognizing complementarities, and forging partnerships that transcend borders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Buenos Aires, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, is precisely such a moment. It marks a turning point in the evolving friendship between India and Argentina, two great democracies separated by oceans but united by a common vision for peace, development, and global cooperation.

The ceremonial welcome accorded to Prime Minister Modi on arrival in Buenos Aires speaks volumes about the warmth and enthusiasm that Argentina brings to this renewed engagement. This visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to recalibrate their foreign policies in response to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, climate change, food and energy security, global governance reforms, and a rapidly shifting economic order.

A Relationship Rooted in Shared Principles

India and Argentina, though geographically distant, are bound by shared democratic ideals, a commitment to multilateralism, and a deep respect for sovereignty and non-interference. Both countries have long advocated for a more equitable global order, one that reflects the voices and aspirations of the Global South. In forums like the United Nations, G20, and BRICS (of which Argentina has recently become a part), both nations have often found themselves on the same side of key global debates.

Argentina has been a steadfast supporter of India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council, recognizing India’s growing global role and leadership. In return, India has consistently backed Argentina’s calls for more inclusive financial systems and fairer trade rules. This visit is an opportunity to not just reaffirm these shared positions, but to build a strategic alignment around them.

Trade, Tech, and Trust: A New Economic Bridge

Bilateral trade between India and Argentina has shown remarkable growth over the past decade, crossing the $6 billion mark. Argentina’s exports of lithium, soy oil, and agricultural produce find an eager market in India, while Indian pharmaceutical products, automobiles, and IT services are gaining popularity in the Latin American nation. But the real story lies in the emerging opportunities.

India’s hunger for critical minerals, especially lithium, essential for its green transition and electric vehicle ambitions, meets Argentina’s vast reserves in the Lithium Triangle. Argentina, in turn, can benefit from India’s low-cost, high-quality manufacturing and digital public infrastructure, India Stack, UPI, and digital identity systems, offering solutions that could revolutionize service delivery in Argentina’s rural and urban landscapes alike.

This visit can accelerate agreements in renewable energy cooperation, defense manufacturing, agricultural research, and space technology, sectors where both countries have complementary strengths. The spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) resonates with Argentina’s desire to diversify its strategic partnerships beyond traditional power centers.

Cultural Kinship and People-to-People Diplomacy

Beyond strategic and economic concerns, the India-Argentina relationship has deep cultural undertones. From the widespread popularity of yoga and Ayurveda in Argentina to the strong interest in Indian cinema and philosophy, the people of Argentina have long shown an affinity for Indian heritage. In fact, Buenos Aires has emerged as a hub for yoga schools and Indian classical dance.

Similarly, India’s admiration for Argentina’s football culture, epitomized in the worship of legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, creates a powerful cultural bridge. The emotional connect during the FIFA World Cup 2022 celebrations in India, where Argentina’s victory was cheered across cities and towns, was testament to this unique bond.

It is now time to institutionalize these soft power exchanges. Proposals for more scholarships, cultural festivals, language exchange programs, and university collaborations can add a vibrant people-to-people dimension to this partnership. The establishment of a Hindi chair at an Argentine university, or a Spanish studies center in India, would be fitting steps forward.

Global South Solidarity in Action

This visit also underlines a deeper, symbolic shift, the consolidation of the Global South’s agency. As India assumes leadership roles in global platforms, from G20 presidency to shaping digital and climate diplomacy, it recognizes the importance of building coalitions with like-minded developing countries like Argentina.

Argentina, with its rich natural resources, scientific institutions, and progressive leadership, is a key partner in India’s quest to amplify Global South voices in shaping international rules on debt relief, climate finance, pandemic preparedness, and food security. This bilateral visit is therefore not just about strengthening ties, it is about building an alternative vision of global cooperation that is inclusive, fair, and future-ready.

A Timely Reset

Fifty-seven years is a long gap. But perhaps that distance has only added to the urgency and value of this moment. Prime Minister Modi’s visit signals that India is ready to go the distance for its friends in Latin America. It is a message that India’s diplomacy is global, strategic, and rooted in genuine partnership.

As the flags of India and Argentina flutter side by side in Buenos Aires, we are witnessing not just a diplomatic event, but the beginning of a new era, one where India and Argentina stand shoulder to shoulder to shape a more balanced, prosperous, and interconnected world.

The tango and the tabla are finally in tune, and the symphony is just beginning.