India-Argentina Strengthen Trade Ties, Explore New Opportunities in Lithium & Pharma

New Delhi, Aug 31 (KNN) India and Argentina reviewed measures to expand bilateral trade, investment and market access during the 4th India-Argentina Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in Buenos Aires on August 24.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the Indian delegation, while Argentina’s Secretary for International Economic Relations Fernando Brun led the Argentine side. Both sides reviewed progress on the roadmap agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 visit to Argentina.

Bilateral trade crossed USD 6.5 billion in 2025, with India becoming Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner. Both sides discussed opportunities to diversify trade and improve market access.

The discussions covered Indian investments in Argentina’s lithium, energy and infrastructure sectors. KABIL’s lithium mining activities in Catamarca have progressed with the completion of Phase II drilling, while further opportunities in Salta and Jujuy are being explored.

India and Argentina also reviewed market access for Indian agricultural products. Technical discussions are underway on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for Indian onions, milk and milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.

Argentina also committed to work towards upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework and reducing market-entry barriers. Both sides agreed to strengthen pharmaceutical cooperation, building on the 2019 ANMAT-CDSCO MoU.

Emerging areas including aviation, space technology, telecommunications, 5G, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure were also discussed.

The India-Argentina engagement continued with the India-Argentina Business Forum on August 25. Commerce Secretary Agrawal led the largest-ever Indian business delegation to Argentina, comprising more than 25 business representatives. Discussions focused on trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, minerals, energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, tourism, banking and telecommunications.

(KNN Bureau)