India-Argentina Relations

India-Argentina relations are characterized by diplomatic cooperation and economic ties, although the depth of the relationship has varied over the years. There have been various new developments in bilateral relations in recent years. Read here to know more.

Earlier in 2023, India and Argentina had agreed to a bilateral exchange of young researchers and Startups, particularly in the fields of Biotechnology and Agriculture.

India and Argentina recently signed a ‘Social Security Agreement (SSA)’ aimed at safeguarding the legal rights of professionals in each other’s domains. This agreement is expected to facilitate risk-free international mobility for professionals from both countries.

India-Argentina relations are cordial and encompass political, economic, scientific, and technological cooperation including Antarctic research and cultural cooperation

India-Argentina relations

India and Argentina established diplomatic relations in 1949. Both countries have maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship on various international issues, often collaborating on matters related to global governance, climate change, and multilateral forums like the United Nations.

• India and Argentina have supported each other on major international issues as well as each other´s candidatures to various UN and multilateral bodies.
• India has always extended support to Argentina on the sovereignty issue of the Malvinas Islands and the issue of sovereign debt servicing and holdout creditors.
• India‐Argentina relations were elevated to the level of Strategic Partnership in February 2019.

High-level visits have played a role in strengthening bilateral ties. Notable visits include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Argentina for the G20 Summit in 2018 and the visit of Argentina’s President Alberto Fernández to India in 2020.

Trade and Economic Ties

Economic relations between India and Argentina have grown, particularly in recent years.

The trade relationship has been marked by the exchange of agricultural and industrial products.

• India primarily imports vegetable oils, sunflower oil, and soya oil from Argentina, while Argentina imports Indian pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and textiles.
• India´s Exports to Argentina: Major items of exports include organic chemicals, vehicles and auto parts, lubricants, machinery, sound and image devices, and garments.
• India´s Imports from Argentina: Major items of import are soybean oil, petroleum, copper, sunflower oil, leather, wool, and ferroalloys.

India is the 4th largest trading partner of Argentina, with bilateral trade touching a historic peak in 2022, recording a growth rate of 12% over 2021.

Agriculture plays a significant role in the bilateral relationship. Both countries have collaborated on agricultural research, knowledge exchange, and technical assistance. India has sought to learn from Argentina’s expertise in areas such as soybean cultivation.

Multilateral Engagement

India and Argentina often work together on various international platforms and organizations, including the G20, where both are members.

• Both countries are members of G20, Group of 24, and Group of 77.

They have coordinated their positions on global issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and global governance reform.

India and Argentina are both members of the Antarctic Treaty.

Other aspects of India-Argentina relations

Cultural ties between India and Argentina have also grown over the years. Cultural festivals, film screenings, and exhibitions have been organized to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange.

• India-Argentina has historical and literary ties, such as the visit of Rabindranath Tagore to Argentina in 1924.
• Tagore wrote a series of poems under the title “Purabi” about his stay in Argentina.
• The award of an honorary doctorate to Victoria Ocampo by Visva Bharati University in 1968.

There is a small but significant Indian diaspora in Argentina, primarily comprising individuals involved in business, academia, and the IT sector. This community has contributed to people-to-people connections and cultural exchange.

Like in many trade relationships, there have been challenges, including market access issues and trade imbalances. Efforts have been made to address these issues through negotiations and discussions.

Recent development

India and Argentina recently signed a ‘Social Security Agreement (SSA)’ aimed at safeguarding the legal rights of professionals in each other’s domains.

• A Social Security Agreement (SSA), also known as a Totalization Agreement, is a bilateral international agreement between two countries that is designed to coordinate the social security systems of the two countries.
• The primary purpose of such agreements is to ensure that individuals who have worked in both countries are not disadvantaged when it comes to receiving social security benefits.

Way forward

The depth and intensity of India-Argentina relations can vary over time based on the priorities and policies of the respective governments.

Both countries have expressed a desire to further enhance economic and diplomatic cooperation, and opportunities for collaboration exist in various fields, including agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.

Overall, India and Argentina share a diplomatic relationship marked by cooperation on global issues and increasing economic ties, and they have the potential to further strengthen their bilateral relations in the future.

-Article by Swathi Satish