India, Argentina Seek Deeper Cooperation In Trade, Defence & Agriculture

New Delhi, July 7 (KNN) Prime Minister Modi and Argentine President Javier Milei have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across a range of strategic sectors, including defence, agriculture, and trade, during their meeting in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Briefing the media following the discussions, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), P. Kumaran said both leaders expressed strong interest in expanding defence collaboration. 

They recognised the potential to leverage their respective capabilities and experiences to strengthen strategic ties and mutual security interests.

Agriculture also emerged as a priority area, with both sides acknowledging its vital role in their economies. 

The leaders directed their respective teams to convene the Joint Working Group on Agriculture at the earliest opportunity to identify areas for cooperation. 

Prime Minister Modi shared insights into India’s Drone Didi initiative, which empowers rural women to use drones for administering fertilisers and conducting land surveys to boost agricultural productivity. 

He also highlighted India's innovative use of drone technology during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver medicines to remote regions, and more recently, to transport perishable goods like vegetables and fish.

Modi further outlined India’s use of the indigenous NavIC satellite navigation system, particularly in helping fishermen locate fish stocks. 

On trade, Prime Minister Modi sought Argentina’s support in expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). 

The agreement, which currently governs trade between India and the MERCOSUR bloc — comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — is seen as a platform to deepen economic integration and unlock new commercial opportunities.

(KNN Bureau)