Buenos Aires, July 6 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Javier Milei engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, agriculture, and trade during their recent meeting. The talks highlighted mutual interests in leveraging each nation’s expertise for strategic benefits.

According to MEA’s Secretary (East) P Kumaran, both leaders emphasized the potential for deeper defence collaboration. “They recognized the opportunity to combine their experiences and capabilities to advance mutual strategic goals,” Kumaran stated during a press briefing.

Agriculture emerged as another key focus area, with Modi and Milei directing their teams to reactivate the Joint Working Group on Agriculture. “The leaders acknowledged the sector’s vital role in both economies and sought to identify new avenues for partnership,” Kumaran added.

PM Modi showcased India’s innovative agricultural initiatives, including the Drone Didi program, which empowers rural women to use drones for fertilizer application and land surveys. He also shared how drone technology was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic for delivering medicines to remote areas and is now being used for transporting perishable goods like vegetables and fish.

Additionally, Modi highlighted India’s Navic satellite system, which aids fishermen in locating fish schools, and his personal use of drones for monitoring key projects. These innovations reportedly captured President Milei’s interest.

Trade relations were also on the agenda, with Modi seeking Argentina’s support to expand the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement. This move aims to unlock new economic opportunities between India and the MERCOSUR bloc, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Following his two-day visit to Argentina, PM Modi proceeded to Brazil for the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. There, he is expected to address global challenges such as peace, security, climate action, and AI governance, alongside holding bilateral talks with Brazilian President Lula to enhance strategic partnerships across various sectors.