The fourth edition of the Global Metals and Mining Meet 2026, organised by ET Infra, was held on February 18 in Kolkata (India). The conference witnessed the assembly of some of the most influential policymakers, industry heads and technical experts from India’s mining and metals sector, along with distinguished delegates from overseas. Among the keynote speakers, His Excellency Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India and Embassy of Argentina, addressed the rapid growth of trade relations between India and Argentina, especially in mining and critical minerals such as lithium. 

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Like many other nations, India and Argentina have primarily secured mining deals focused on lithium exploration and development, capitalising on Argentina's position in the Lithium Triangle. Ongoing efforts involve KABIL and Greenko in lithium projects, further advanced during PM Modi's 2025 visit, securing five concessions alongside private deals with firms like World Metals Alloys.

On this note, in his special address regarding the Global Minerals Diplomacy, His Excellency Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India and Embassy of Argentina, mentioned the “elevation of the link between the two countries.” He emphasised the strong relationship between Argentina and India that is growing by the day, noting that “the two countries enjoy a degree of complementary economy.”

India has been looking to expand its investments in Argentina's mining, gas and oil sectors, with a focus on lithium, to secure resources needed for its energy transition. In this regard, he regarded Argentina as “a partner of India” in providing the latter with energy and mining security, “without any geopolitical pressure.” 

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In an exclusive interaction with AL Circle at the Global Metals and Mining Meet 2026, His Excellency addressed Argentina’s role in mining, reinforcing India with the necessary technology and minerals. “In the last six years, since 2019 when the relationship was elevated to the category of strategic partnership,” he said. 

Regarding the surplus of critical minerals, he commented that, “in terms of energy, in terms of mineral resources... we have more than we use for our domestic consumption.” Hence, for a nation hosting 48 million citizens and surplus mineral and energy resources and another country with a much larger population seeking those resources, the Argentina-India partnership is built upon “complementarity”.

When asked about the mining ties between the two nations, he elaborated, “We started cooperating in mining, for example, uh, with important Indian investments in the province of Catamarca, which is a state in the north of Argentina.” In January 2024, KABIL (a JV of NALCO, HCL, and MECL) acquired five lithium brine blocks spanning 15,703 hectares in Catamarca for USD 24 million, marking India's first government-led overseas lithium mining venture, complete with an exclusivity period and local branch office. 

Another key pact was the February 2025 MoU between India's MECL under the Ministry of Mines and Catamarca province, signed by Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Governor Raúl Jalil, for lithium exploration, policy, and technology transfer, building on prior collaborations.

Bilateral trade has also received a boost with, as mentioned by His Excellency, “USD 5 billion exchanged,” prioritising critical minerals to support India's EV and renewables ambitions. Addressing the rapid energy shift from exhaustible to renewable energy, His Excellency celebrated the collaboration between India and Argentina, which is “very positive, and that's why we are already working very good between the two countries.”

Other keynote speakers for the event were Dr Joyesh Bagchi, Additional Director General (PSS), Geological Survey of India and His Excellency Kevin Goh, Consul-General in Kolkata, Australian High Commission. Panel discussions included Mr Rajnish A. Khale, Director (Marketing), Dr Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head, CSIR – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, IREL (India) Limited and Dr Pukhraj Nenival, Controller of Mines (East Zone), Indian Bureau of Mines, amongst others.

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