New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ground breaking bilateral visit to Argentina on July 5-6, 2025, marked a watershed moment in India’s quest for critical mineral security, particularly lithium, as both nations deepened their strategic partnership across multiple sectors. This historic visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years—has resulted in significant agreements that position India as a key player in Argentina’s lithium-rich landscape within the globally significant “Lithium Triangle.”
During the high-level discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Argentine President Javier Milei, critical mineral cooperation emerged as a cornerstone of bilateral relations. MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran emphasised that “Argentina is a part of the lithium triangle. It is of great interest to us”. The strategic importance of this partnership cannot be overstated, as Argentina holds approximately 22 million metric tons of lithium reserves, making it the world’s second-largest holder of lithium resources after Bolivia, accounting for around 20-21% of global lithium reserves.
India’s lithium engagement in Argentina has already gained substantial momentum through multiple public and private sector initiatives. Two major Indian public sector companies—Coal India Limited and Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)—have signed five concession agreements and are working on finalising investments to produce, refine, and export lithium minerals. These agreements represent India’s first-ever lithium exploration and mining projects undertaken by government companies, marking a significant milestone in the country’s critical mineral security strategy.
The most significant development in India’s lithium strategy came through KABIL’s landmark agreement with Argentina’s state-owned enterprise CAMYEN (Catamarca Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado) in January 2024. This agreement grants KABIL exploration and exploitation rights for five lithium brine blocks—Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI—covering approximately 15,703 hectares in Argentina’s Catamarca province. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs 200 crores (US$24 million) and represents a strategic move to secure India’s lithium supply chain for its ambitious clean energy transition.
KABIL commenced exploration activities at these lithium blocks on October 4, 2024, with geological mapping and sampling activities near Fiambalá in the Tinogasta department of Catamarca Province. The company has also established a branch office in Catamarca, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region. This initiative is particularly significant as it provides India with technical and operational experience in brine-type lithium exploration, exploitation, and extraction—crucial expertise for India’s domestic lithium development programs.
Beyond government initiatives, Indian private sector companies have also made substantial investments in Argentina’s lithium sector. Two notable companies—Greenco from India and World Metal Alloys, an Indian-owned company based in the UAE—have secured lithium concessions in Argentina. These private sector investments complement the government’s strategic approach, creating a comprehensive framework for India’s lithium security.
