Today, Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie held a bilateral meeting with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, within the framework of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Faurie described the relationship with India as "a priority", and stated that Argentina wishes to strengthen, increase and diversify its exports. Although the balance of trade is favourable for our country (Argentina registers with India its second highest trade balance surplus in Asia, after Vietnam) and India is the sixth destination for Argentine exports, the Foreign Ministers agreed that the level of economic and trade relations between India and Argentina, as well as between India and MERCOSUR, is well below its potential, and underscored the decision of both Governments to boost mutual trade.
The Ministers highlighted the need to implement measures as regards trade relations, primarily in the agricultural and livestock sector, given that India is a country in need of equipment of which Argentina is a manufacturer.
The Ministers also discussed the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting to be held in Buenos Aires -India is one of the founding members of the Organization (1995). Faurie stated that Argentina is aware of India's commitment to reaching a definitive solution in the field of food security, among other important issues.
The Foreign Ministers mentioned that President Mauricio Macri met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the context of the G20 on two occasions: in September 2016 in Hangzou, China, and in July 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Faurie reminded his counterpart of the interest expressed by Modi in the potential participation of Indian companies in the exploration and exploitation of resources in Vaca Muerta.
Finally, the Ministers assessed the expectations for Argentina's G20 Presidency in 2018, given that India is a prominent member of the Group.