PM Modi’s Argentina Visit
During PM Narendra Modi’s Argentina visit, India will turn its focus on a critical new frontier—securing lithium and other key minerals vital for its clean energy future.
Argentina, a major part of the globally significant “Lithium Triangle”, is set to be a key partner in this push.
The visit, seen as a strategic step in strengthening India-Argentina ties, will place critical minerals high on the agenda, alongside energy, investment and technological cooperation.
India Taps Argentina’s Lithium Wealth
Argentina holds some of the largest untapped lithium reserves in the world, with over 50 mining projects in development. The provinces of Catamarca, Salta and Jujuy sit at the heart of the Lithium Triangle—home to nearly two-thirds of global lithium reserves. Lithium is essential for producing batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
India has already begun engaging with this resource-rich region. Oil India Limited (OIL) has formed a critical minerals division and recently sent a delegation to Argentina, Chile and Bolivia to explore opportunities. OIL is working alongside Coal India and ONGC Videsh to prepare formal bids to acquire lithium blocks.
KABIL Leads The Charge In Catamarca
India’s public sector firm Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) has taken the lead. It has signed an MoU with the provincial government of Catamarca and has secured five lithium concessions in the region.
According to P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, “Between KABIL and Coal India Limited, they have picked up four concessions in Argentina. They are working with CAMYEN, a provincial PSU, to develop these sites and pick up lithium, refine it and bring it into India for our purposes.”
He added that India is also in talks with other countries in the Lithium Triangle, including Chile, Bolivia and Peru, to secure mining rights for lithium, molybdenum and other critical minerals important for green manufacturing.
Private Sector Joins The Race
Indian interest is not limited to public enterprises. Secretary Kumaran confirmed that companies like Green Co. and World Metal Alloys (an Indian-owned company based in the UAE) have also entered the sector.
“They’ve also picked up one concession,” he said, adding that other Indian companies are currently in discussions to acquire stakes in lithium mining and refining operations in Argentina. “We hope to be able to share more details whenever they are available,” he noted.
Recent Engagements
In February, Governor Raúl Jalil of Catamarca visited New Delhi and met with senior executives from KABIL, MECL and Coal India, aiming to deepen mining partnerships.
Argentina currently has two active lithium mines—the Fénix mine operated by Livent in Salta and the Hombre Muerto mine in Catamarca operated by FMC Lithium. According to the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAMAR), 14 more lithium projects are in advanced stages, with 50+ in total under development.
With India pushing for energy diversification and supply security, the timing of the Prime Minister’s visit is seen as crucial. Argentina’s interest in attracting foreign investment and India’s growing need for lithium, rare earths and clean energy inputs may pave the way for stronger economic and strategic ties.
