New Delhi – As India and Argentina mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, H.E. Mariano A. Caucino, the Argentine Ambassador to India, expressed his deep honor and pride in serving as Ambassador during a pivotal time in Indian history. In his address on this momentous occasion, Ambassador Caucino reflected on the shared values, expanding economic ties, and the growing partnership between the two nations.
Ambassador Caucino underscored India’s impressive achievements, noting its status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and the fastest-growing democracy. He emphasized the shared principles of democracy, freedom, and respect for human dignity that unite Argentina and India, highlighting their collaboration during India’s G20 presidency in 2023. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for India’s historical support on the “Malvinas Question,” affirming the strong diplomatic ties that have been cultivated over the years.
On the economic front, Ambassador Caucino celebrated the significant growth in bilateral trade, which reached a total volume of USD 4.6 billion in the past year. Argentina has become a key supplier of soybean and sunflower oil to the Indian market, contributing to India’s food security. Additionally, he welcomed the investments by Indian mining companies in Argentina, particularly in lithium, copper, and gold exploration, which are vital for India’s electric vehicle development and critical mineral supply chains.
The Ambassador also highlighted the robust cultural ties that predate diplomatic relations between the two countries, with a special mention of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Argentina in 1924. He praised the success of cultural exchanges such as the film “Thinking of Him,” an India-Argentina film co-produced by the noted Indian filmmaker Suraj Kumar, and the shared passion for Tango, Polo, and Yoga in both nations.
In the realm of defense cooperation, Ambassador Caucino noted the strengthened bonds between the Argentine and Indian armed forces, built on shared expertise, exchange opportunities, and mutual support. He also emphasized the successful collaboration in nuclear cooperation, with Argentine company INVAP’s completion of the Radioisotope Production Facility in Mumbai.
In concluding his remarks, Ambassador Caucino expressed pride in contributing to the long-standing friendship between Argentina and India. With a history of diplomatic service as Ambassador to Costa Rica and Israel, and as an accomplished author on foreign affairs and contemporary history, Ambassador Caucino continues to strengthen the ties between these two vibrant democracies.