Daijiworld Media Network - Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, Jul 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the ‘Key to the City of Buenos Aires’ during his official state visit to Argentina, marking a significant milestone in India-Argentina relations. The symbolic honour was presented by Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government of Buenos Aires, in recognition of Modi’s contribution towards strengthening bilateral ties.
“Honoured to receive the 'Key to the City of Buenos Aires' from Jorge Macri,” PM Modi wrote on his official X account, calling it a symbol of trust and friendship.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added, “This ceremonial honour is in recognition of PM's contributions in strengthening India-Argentina ties.”
PM Modi's visit was historic, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. Hundreds of enthusiastic Indian community members gathered outside his hotel to welcome him with tricolour flags, music, and chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Modi-Modi.”
The visit formed the third leg of Modi’s ongoing five-nation tour, during which he also received ‘The Order of the Republic’—Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian honour, becoming the first foreign leader ever to receive it.
In Buenos Aires, PM Modi paid tributes at the busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, underscoring India’s cultural legacy and its global relevance. “His timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity,” PM Modi said while honouring Gandhi. At Tagore’s memorial, he highlighted the poet's enduring influence on India’s history and education.
The Prime Minister also laid a wreath at the memorial of General Jose de San Martin, Argentina’s Father of the Nation. “His courage and leadership played a pivotal role in Argentina's history,” PM Modi said.
During high-level bilateral talks with Argentine President Javier Milei, the two leaders celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties and reaffirmed their Strategic Partnership. PM Modi described the meeting as “excellent” and expressed optimism about further cooperation.
“We discussed how to diversify commercial ties and deepen cooperation in agriculture, defence, energy, and more,” Modi posted on X. The two sides also explored areas like pharmaceuticals and sports and agreed on the supply of lithium and shale gas to India, boosting India’s energy security.
The leaders also discussed easing the entry of Indian generic medicines into the Argentine market and expanding defence cooperation. PM Modi invited President Milei to visit India, especially to witness Gujarat’s famous lion sanctuary.
PM Modi’s visit, warmly received by the local Indian diaspora and the Argentine leadership, is being seen as a major step in strengthening India’s engagement with Latin America and expanding its global partnerships.