On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and discussed measures to make trade ties sustainable and ambitious. Both sides also deliberated on the potential for bilateral cooperation in defence, food security and nuclear energy. Both leaders also underlined the importance of affordable healthcare and agreed that pharmaceuticals are a crucial component.

It holds much significance because of Jaishankar’s first-ever official visit to South America. The External Affairs Minister has already visited Paraguay and Brazil. On his maiden official visit to three Latin American countries, Jaishankar met Economy Minister Sergio Massa and exchanged views on economic cooperation.

Jaishankar’s visit to Latin American countries will likely provide an opportunity for continuing the ongoing high-level engagements with India’s partners in Latin America. It will also explore new areas of cooperation in the post-Covid era and share views on issues of bilateral and international significance.
It is to be noted that Latin America has usually been the least visited region by Indian politicians and diplomats. The region receives less attention in India’s foreign policy. Regarding Latin America, it is said that “Out of sight, out of mind”.

Lately, India has started reinvigorating its engagement with Latin America. The region remains one of the main export destinations for India’s pharmaceutical products, cars, motorcycles, organic and inorganic chemicals, and textiles.