Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his historic visit to Argentina by paying tribute at the San Martin Memorial in Buenos Aires. The solemn ceremony served as a symbolic gesture, underscoring the strengthening of diplomatic ties between India and Argentina.

The Monumento al General San Martin is an imposing equestrian statue honoring José de San Martín, who is revered as the liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The monument stands as a symbol of Latin American independence and Argentine national pride. The monument, created in 1862 by French sculptor Louis Joseph Daumas, was the first equestrian statue in Buenos Aires. San Martin led Argentina's fight for independence between 1813 and 1818, including defeating Spanish troops at the Battle of San Lorenzo. He also reorganized the Army of the North, became Governor of Cuyo, and created the Army of the Andes, which he led across the mountains into Chile and then north to liberate Peru in 1820.

Modi's visit to the memorial highlights India's respect for global freedom fighters and the shared values of liberty and sovereignty. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Modi had previously visited in 2018 for the G20 Summit. This Argentina visit marks the third stop on Modi's five-nation tour.

Following the memorial visit, Modi engaged in bilateral talks with Argentine President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada. Their discussions aimed to review existing cooperation and explore avenues for strengthening the India-Argentina partnership in sectors such as defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people connections.

Upon arriving in Argentina, Modi was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora, who welcomed him with traditional Indian dance performances and chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Modi-Modi". Modi expressed his gratitude on X, noting the strong cultural connection despite the distance and acknowledging the vibrant spirit of India within the Indian community in Buenos Aires.

In his departure statement, Modi emphasized Argentina's role as a key economic partner in Latin America and a collaborator in the G20. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted the visit's significance, highlighting Argentina's ongoing economic reforms, which are similar to those previously undertaken by India. The two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations last year and India has considered Argentina as a strategic partner since 2019.