The Ministry of Commerce and Industry held the fourth meeting of the India-Argentina Joint Trade Committee on 24 August 2026 in Buenos Aires. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the Indian side in discussions aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The meeting focused on expanding trade in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, lithium and emerging technologies.
What was discussed
Bilateral trade between India and Argentina reached USD 6.5 billion in 2025, with annual growth exceeding 17 per cent. India now ranks as Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner. Both countries committed to reducing barriers and creating more balanced trade opportunities.
Key discussion areas included:
- Lithium and mining: India’s KABIL has completed Phase II drilling at its lithium mining site in Catamarca and is exploring opportunities in Salta and Jujuy provinces.
- Agricultural products: Technical discussions are underway to open Argentine markets for Indian onions, milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.
- Pharmaceuticals: Argentina committed to upgrading India’s regulatory status and reducing market entry barriers for Indian pharmaceutical companies.
- Emerging sectors: Both sides identified cooperation opportunities in aviation, space technology, telecommunications, 5G, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
- India-MERCOSUR agreement: Progress on terms of reference and digital certificates of origin will streamline cross-border trade.
Following the JTC meeting, Commerce Secretary Agrawal held separate meetings with Argentine ministers covering agriculture, deregulation, and science and technology. A business forum on 25 August brought together more than 25 Indian business leaders from companies including UPL, Kirloskar and Aditya Birla Group to explore direct commercial partnerships with Argentine counterparts.
What this means for you
Indian farmers and food exporters may soon find new markets for onions, milk, grapes and other products in Argentina as regulatory barriers ease. Indian pharmaceutical companies could gain easier access to Argentina’s market and expand their business there. For those in mining, energy and technology sectors, Argentina presents growing investment opportunities that the government is actively facilitating through these bilateral discussions.