Modi becomes 1st Indian PM to visit Argentina in 57 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, late on Friday, on a two-day visit of his five-nation tour, that aims to reinforce India’s engagements with the Global South and focus on strengthening ties with the South American country.

This is the third leg of his five-nation tour, following visits to Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), earlier in the week. It will be followed by Brazil (July 5-8) and Namibia (July 9).

He was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Ezeiza International Airport.

This is the first bilateral visit to the South American country by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years, and is thus historic.

On Saturday, Modi was warmly received by Argentina’s President Javier Milei at the historic Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires as the two leaders began bilateral engagements.

“India’s advancements in defence manufacturing, in the space sector, in new areas such as information technology and DPI can offer valuable expertise and we can share experiences with Argentina. Our expertise in Telemedicine and Digital healthcare solutions are also an offer for Argentina in expanding access to medical services and improving overall quality and cost-effective healthcare delivery,” said MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran while addressing a special media briefing ahead of the PM’s visit.

Both leaders are scheduled to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further enhance India-Argentina partnership in key areas including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister began the visit by paying respects at the statue of General Jose de San Martin, Argentina’s revered freedom fighter and national hero.

General Jose de San Martin is recognised as the liberator of Argentina and the monument was created in 1862 by French sculptor Louis Joseph Daumas. It was the first equestrian statue in Buenos Aires.

San Martín led crucial moments in Argentina’s fight for independence between 1813 and 1818, defeating Spanish troops at the Battle of San Lorenzo, reorganising the Army of the North, becoming Governor of Cuyo and creating the Army of the Andes, which he led across the mountains into Chile to liberate the neighbouring country from Spanish rule, before moving north to liberate Peru in 1820.

He was then accorded a ceremonial welcome ahead of the delegation-level talks.

Modi received a warm and traditional welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival at the Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Members of the Indian community greeted the Prime Minister with enthusiastic chants of “Modi-Modi,” “Jai Hind” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” creating an electrifying atmosphere on Friday night.

The vibrant reception featured a traditional Indian classical dance performance, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.

Community members also had the opportunity to interact with Modi, many of whom received autographs from the leader, adding a personal touch to the historic visit. Modi on Saturday emphasised that distance is no barrier to cultural connections after receiving a warm and traditional welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival at the Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Taking to the social media platform X, Modi wrote in a post, “Distance is no barrier when it comes to cultural connect! Honoured by the gracious welcome from the Indian community in Buenos Aires. It is truly moving to see how, thousands of kilometres away from home, the spirit of India shines brightly through our Indian community.”

Argentina is a strategic partner of India since 2019, and the two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations last year.

The visit to Argentina comes at a particularly significant time as Argentina is undertaking major economic reforms somewhat similar to those India went through in the past, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted ahead of the historic visit.

Indo-Asian News Service