India and Argentina are ramping up cooperation in the critical minerals sector, with focus on lithium exploration and mining. Earlier this month during PM Modi’s meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, both leaders had called for enhanced cooperation in a host of sectors, including critical minerals.
The collaboration was highlighted during Argentina’s National Day celebrations in New Delhi, with senior Indian and Argentine officials reaffirming shared interests and expanding engagement across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the event, G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, stressed the central role of critical minerals in the future of India-Argentina relations.
“There are several promising areas where India and Argentina can work together to build a stronger mutual, beneficial partnership. From trade and defence to space cooperation, nuclear energy and critical minerals,” he said.
“As Mines minister, my special interest is in the mining of minerals Argentina holds—the third largest lithium reserves in the world. As India’s demand for critical minerals continues to grow rapidly, Argentina can cooperate and join hands as a reliable and strategic partner in meeting these essential needs,” he added.
“These minerals are critical for new technologies and the digital economy in the future. India and Argentina hold a greater promise for cooperation in this sector.”
India has launched the national critical mineral mission. It is building a robust domestic policy ecosystem to support the development of the critical mineral value chain. India and Argentina have the potential to establish mutually beneficial partnership in the exportation, extraction and processing of critical minerals.
“Together, we can lay the foundation for strong centres, for future mineral development in the Global South,” the minister said. He also highlighted the active involvement of Indian state-run entities, noting: “Public sector unit, KABIL is working in five lithium classes in the Catamarca region of Argentina.”
Mining Projects Gain Momentum
The growing importance of lithium cooperation was echoed by Argentine Ambassador Mariano A Caucino of Argentina. He spotlighted Indian mining ventures in Catamarca, a resource-rich province in northwestern Argentina.
“Recent years marked a significant milestone for Indian mining companies. The province of Catamarca is now hosting Indian firms that are not only exploring lithium but also showing interest in copper and gold. Governor Raúl Jalil of Catamarca visited India two months ago in order to enhance and promote these ties,” the Ambassador stated.
“These investments are particularly important as India advances its electric vehicle (EV) development, aiming to secure a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical minerals essential for various industries in India,” he added.
Energy Security And Strategic Cooperation
The Ambassador pointed to recent engagements between Indian energy companies and YPF, Argentina’s leading oil and gas firm, “We can contribute to India’s energy security as well,” said the Ambassador.
“It should be remembered that this year Horacio Daniel Marín, President of YPF, Argentina’s main oil and gas company, visited India and signed a MoU with Indian energy companies, in what represented an important step ahead for our relations on that matter.”
A Broader Strategic Partnership
The Argentina-India partnership spans a range of sectors, including trade, defence, science and technology and space cooperation. The Ambassador underscored the growing diplomatic momentum between the two countries.
“We celebrate the historical visit that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made to Argentina just two weeks ago,” Ambassador Caucino noted.
“Prime Minister Modi and President Javier Milei had the chance to exchange views on several areas of mutual interest, including on the importance of free markets, deregulation, limited government and the rule of law,” he said.
