New Delhi, August 24: Argentina’s Ambassador Mariano Cossinó praised the growing ties with India on Monday, revealing that the trade partnership between the two nations has now exceeded six billion US dollars.
Speaking to reporters, Cossinó emphasized that the economies of India and Argentina are complementary, and following the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, both countries continue to work towards achieving various goals.
During a tribute event in New Delhi for General José de San Martín, he stated, “The relations between the two countries are very good. Argentina and India enjoy a trade relationship of over six billion US dollars. Currently, Brazil, our main economic partner, is followed by China, the United States, the European Union, and Chile, with India becoming our sixth-largest partner. We are doing very well. Both economies complement each other.”
He noted that Argentina is a founding member of Mercosur and there is a consensus among members to work with India on expanding the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Ambassador Cossinó remarked, “Argentina is a founding member of Mercosur, an economic trade bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Therefore, to reach such an agreement, we need to collaborate with other Mercosur countries. Generally, there is good consensus among members to work with India to expand the current agreement, which is limited to certain products. However, I am optimistic in this regard.”
Mercosur is a trade group that includes six member countries from Latin America, with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as founding members. Venezuela joined in 2012, and all five members agreed to include Bolivia in 2015.
Negotiations for the India-Mercosur PTA were completed in 2005, and the agreement has been in effect since June 2009.
Cossinó also paid tribute to one of Latin America’s greatest heroes, José de San Martín, describing him as one of the most significant figures in the history of South America and Argentina.
He stated, “We are paying tribute to our national hero General San Martín. This marks the anniversary of his extraordinary leadership. San Martín was a hero of Argentina and the liberator of Peru and Chile. He is one of the most important figures in South American history. Holding this event in India is very significant, a country that has been an example of the struggle for independence and continues to be.”
Commenting on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the ambassador stressed that the Middle East has been a turbulent region for many years, marked by numerous conflicts. He expressed hope that some progress could be made and that countries in the Middle East could establish functional relations.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.