New Delhi, August 24: Argentina’s Ambassador Mariano Cossino praised the growing ties with India on Monday, revealing that the trade partnership between the two nations has now surpassed $6 billion.
In a conversation, Cossino emphasized that the economies of India and Argentina complement each other. Following the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, both countries continue to collaborate to achieve various goals.
During a tribute event for General Jose de San Martin held in New Delhi, he stated, “The relationship between our two countries is very strong. Argentina and India enjoy a trade relationship exceeding $6 billion. Currently, Brazil, our main economic partner, along with China, the United States, the European Union, and Chile, ranks India as our sixth-largest partner. We are doing excellent work together. Our economies are complementary.”
Cossino noted that Argentina is a founding member of Mercosur and there is a consensus among members to work with India to expand the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
He added, “As a founding member of Mercosur, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, we need to collaborate with other Mercosur countries to establish such agreements. There is generally good consensus among members to work with India to expand the current agreement, which is limited to certain products. However, I am optimistic about this prospect.”
Mercosur is a trade bloc comprising six Latin American member countries. The founding members include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, with Venezuela joining in 2012 and Bolivia’s inclusion agreed upon by all five members in 2015.
Negotiations for the India-Mercosur PTA were completed in 2005, and the agreement has been in effect since June 2009.
Cossino also paid tribute to one of Latin America’s greatest heroes, Jose de San Martin, recognizing him as one of the most significant figures in the history of South America and Argentina.
He remarked, “We are honoring our national hero General San Martin. This marks the anniversary of his extraordinary leadership. San Martin was a hero of Argentina and a liberator of Peru and Chile. He is one of the most important figures in South American history. Holding this event in India is crucial, as it is a country that has exemplified the struggle for independence and continues to do so.”
Commenting on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the ambassador stressed that the Middle East has been a turbulent region for many years, marked by numerous conflicts. He expressed hope that progress could be made and that countries in the Middle East could establish functional relationships.
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