In a diplomatic outreach to the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, PM Narendra Modi has led a series of high-level engagements with leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Cuba. The focus has been on critical areas such as trade expansion, energy cooperation, digital infrastructure, agriculture and defence collaboration.
These meetings—held during and around the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro—underscore India’s intent to strengthen its strategic footprint in the region. The Prime Minister described BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” It’s an expression that also reflected the tone of his bilateral conversations with regional leaders.
Uruguay: Advancing Trade, Digital Infrastructure & Defence
PM Modi’s meeting with Uruguay’s President Yamandu Orsi covered cooperation in defence, railways, health, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, culture and digital technologies, including UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure.
Both sides agreed on the need to expand the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement. President Orsi also reaffirmed Uruguay’s solidarity with India following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Bolivia: Critical Minerals, Solar Alliance & Development Partnership
Talks with Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora of Bolivia covered critical minerals, small and medium enterprises, pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine and capacity building. They emphasized stronger engagement in mineral exploration and development. Modi congratulated Bolivia on joining the International Solar Alliance and expressed India’s solidarity following severe flooding in La Paz earlier this year. He also extended greetings ahead of Bolivia’s bicentennial of independence on August 6, 2025.
Cuba: Digital Cooperation And Healthcare Access
During his meeting with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, PM Modi welcomed Cuba’s recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia, which will facilitate access to affordable Indian generic medicines. Cuba expressed interest in collaborating on Digital Public Infrastructure and fintech, including UPI integration. The two leaders agreed to coordinate on Global South issues, including climate resilience, healthcare and disaster management.
Argentina: Critical Minerals, Drones In Agriculture & Pharma Cooperation
During the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, PM Modi and President Javier Milei also discussed critical minerals, oil and gas, nuclear energy, ICT, space, defence, and drone usage in agriculture and infrastructure monitoring.
They also focused on diversifying the trade basket and expanding the India-MERCOSUR trade framework. India sought Argentina’s support for upgrading Indian drugs from Annex II to Annex I in its regulatory framework, easing entry for affordable Indian medicines. Argentina confirmed the availability of fast-track import clearances for Indian pharmaceuticals with US FDA or EMA approvals.
Both leaders directed officials to convene the Joint Working Group on Agriculture soon to enhance cooperation in agro-tech, dairy access and sustainable farming practices.
Brazil: State Visit And BRICS Leadership
PM Modi’s state visit to Brazil included formal talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace. Agreements across sectors, including space, energy transition, defence and agri-tech were expected to follow. The BRICS Summit provided further opportunity for strategic dialogues on multipolar cooperation, climate change and digital sovereignty.
Continued Momentum in India-LAC Relations
India’s engagement with the LAC region has steadily intensified. Key visits to India include those of the Presidents of Chile (April 2025) and Paraguay (June 2025).
PM Modi has visited Guyana (Nov 2024), the India–CARICOM Summit (Nov 2024) and Trinidad and Tobago (July 2025). He also met the President of Mexico during the G7 Summit in Canada, further cementing ties with Latin America’s largest economies.
These sustained bilateral efforts reflect New Delhi’s broader strategic intent to position itself as a reliable partner to the LAC region in geoeconomics, technology cooperation, energy security and multilateral diplomacy.
