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Jul 09, 2025
Ramaharitha Pusarla

India and Argentina: Charting a New Strategic Horizon

PM Modi arrived in Argentina in the third leg of the five-nation trip on July 5th. This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 57 years. PM Modi last visited Argentina in 2018 for the G20 Summit. On his arrival in Buenos Aires, the City Chief conferred PM Modi with the Key to the City of Buenos Aires. Trump’s erratic trade tariffs and Europe’s carbon tax hurdles have forced nations to realign and diversify their supply chains. PM Modi’s five-nation trip spanning the global south attempts to chart a new course by rediscovering shared values to forge economic partnerships with resource-rich nations. Irrespective of the leadership at the helm of affairs, business and trade have largely driven the course of the India-Argentina relationship. India is the fourth-largest trade partner of Argentina. India accounts for 90% of Argentina’s Soybean oil exports. After the Ukrainian war, India has routed its sunflower oil imports from Argentina. Now, vegetable oils account for more than 50% of India-Argentina bilateral trade, which reached $5.2 billion in 2024. The trade peaked at $6.4 billion in 2022 but subsequently dropped due to drought in Argentina. As per reports, the first quarter of 2025 recorded a 53.9% increase in trade. Other major exports of Argentina include finished leather, cereals, pulses, residual chemicals and allied products. Two-wheelers are one of the major exports of India to Argentina, and pharmaceuticals, textiles are next in line. Indian investments in Argentina, valued at over $1.2 billion, include Mphasis, TCS, Comviva, Infosys, Bajaj Motorcycles, TVS, Royal Enfield, Hero Motors, and Godrej. Conversely, Argentinian investments in India stand at $120 million, comprising Globant, OLX and TECHINT. Argentina has the World’s second-largest shale gas reserves and third-largest shale oil reserves and is part of the Lithium triangle, the other two being Bolivia and Chile. In February 2023, India and Argentina signed agreements to promote cooperation in oil and natural gas. For the first time ever, India’s KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited) inked a deal with Argentina’s CAMYEN (PSU in Catamarca province) to lease five lithium blocks for mining and exploration in January 2024. In February 2025, KABIL concluded another MoU with Argentina’s Greenco for five Lithium blocks. Other than mineral and energy cooperation, India and Argentina have ramped up defence and nuclear cooperation. India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Argentine Air Force sealed the first commercial agreement for the supply of helicopter spares and engine maintenance. In November 2024, the Heavy Water Board of India signed a four-year agreement for the supply of heavy water with Nuclear Electric Company of Argentina (NASA). Amid growing India’s energy needs and China’s weaponisation of rare earth minerals, Argentina which also has significant copper reserves could serve as a crucial, reliable partner. After the warm welcome at Casa Rosada Palace, leaders, PM Modi and President Javier Milei reviewed the entire range of bilateral cooperation and decided to diversify and expand the trade basket. To realise this, India sought Argentina’s support in expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in 2004 and which came into force in 2009.PTA, which is less comprehensive than FTA, removes tariffs on a limited number of goods. MERCOSUR, the fourth largest trade bloc globally behind the European Union, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). MERCOSUR include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. To explore vital opportunities in health care and pharma, PM Modi discussed the possibility of moving India from Annexure II to Annexure I of Argentina's Pharmaceutical Regulatory Framework to expedite the entry of life-saving, affordable Indian pharmaceuticals into the Argentine market. ISRO launched Argentina’s first space satellite in 2007. In 2023, ISRO and Argentina’s CONAE signed several outer space cooperation framework agreements. Seeking to steadily elevate the defence partnership, Argentina's Defence Minister made the first-ever bilateral visit to India in 2023. This was preceded by two trips by the Argentine Air Force commander and the Argentine Armed Forces chief in 2022 to HAL. After decommissioning the Dassault Mirage fleet in 2015, Argentina is looking a replacement and India’s LCA Tejas jet was in contention. Argentina has also expressed interest in BrahMos. India and Argentina traditionally support each other in research and logistical support in Antarctica, especially Bharati and Maitri (India’s permanent research stations in Antarctica) and cooperate in the UN peacekeeping missions. Besides strengthening space collaboration, countries are exploring avenues in telemedicine, digital health solutions, capacity building, agriculture and food security, green energy, science and technology and people-to-people linkages. Yoga and Ayurveda are very popular in Argentina. Though separated by oceans, countries share democratic values and share inclusive, global development vision and hence are natural partners. India welcomed Argentina to join the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (BCA). Argentina backs India’s permanent membership to an expanded UNSC and is counting on India’s support for the resumption of negotiations with the UK on the Malvinas Islands dispute. Argentina, which strongly condemned the Pahalgam attacks, adopts a tough stance on terrorism. Argentina faced two brutal terror attacks- the 1992 Israeli Embassy bombing and the 1994 AMIA Jewish Centre bombing in Buenos Aires. President Milei showed great interest in India’s Drone Didi initiative in improving agricultural production and usage of drone technology for conservation of fauna, animal husbandry, surveillance of high-tension power transmission and discussed the possibility of using drone to tackle IUU (Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported) fishing especially in Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Cooperation in digital Infrastructure, building a startup ecosystem and sports also featured in the talks. PM Modi’s visit to Argentina comes at a time when the country is going through a phase of pathbreaking economic reforms. President Milei, known for his radical approach and kick-named ‘anarcho-capitalist’, is endeavouring to revive the economic outlook of the country through legislation- Large Investment Incentive Regime or RIGI, offering tax breaks for investments. This legislation has increased energy investments, steering the shale oil and gas production. Consequently, Argentina has transitioned from being an energy importer to an exporter. Impelled by the geopolitical uncertainties, plunging foreign reserves and rising inflation, Argentina directed energy investments towards the lucrative shale patch, Vaca Muerta. Asserting ‘resource nationalism’, President Milei is boldly tapping into the natural resources to resurrect the economic fortunes of Argentina. India and Argentina elevated relations to a ‘strategic partnership’ in 2019 during President Mauricio Macri's visit. Latin America offers huge potential for economic opportunities. Interestingly, the word ‘strategic’ is largely attributed to India’s relations with influential countries. But in the era of diversification, interconnectedness, to meet its growing needs, India must forge ties with countries far and distant. Latin America, though geographically distant, shares several commonalities in terms of world vision and similar challenges like food security, climate change, reliable supply, cybersecurity, and terrorism. As the World transitions into Industrialisation 4.0, countries require critical mineral elements to build modern technologies and infrastructure for the large-scale launch of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. India can’t afford to lag in this technological evolution. In tandem with its aspirations to build a scientifically advanced economy, India must ensure a steady supply of critical resources. India must widen its horizons and build reliable partnerships with countries. Besides being developing countries, the global south identity also binds India and Argentina. High-profile visits between countries in recent times have laid the ground for building a pragmatic relationship. PM Modi’s historic visit to Argentina signals India’s readiness to deepen the expanding economic partnership. References https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/39763/Transcript_of_Special_media_briefing_by_MEA_on_Prime_Ministers_visit_to_Argentina_July_05_2025 https://www.indembarg.gov.in/page/india-and-argentina/#:~:text=Indo%2DArgentine%20trade%20experienced%20a,trading%20partner%20and%20export%20destination. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/india-argentina-an-example-in-economic-diplomacy https://theprint.in/opinion/modi-visit-shows-argentina-now-matters-the-resource-rich-economy-has-big-lessons-for-india/2681071/

Jul 09, 2025
Richa Yadav

Vijñāna Bhairav Tantra

If you were given a choice, would you prefer a personal consultation with a yogi or a tantrik? Well, most of you might choose a yogi to be on the safe side. One might not want to consult a tantrik unless they are going through a tough phase in life and are willing to seek help from a tantrik as a last resort. In general, we are afraid to be so completely given to someone unknown with unknown abilities. Tantra, specifically, has been seen as a mechanism to woo someone inappropriately, harm others, or get things done for selfish motives. On the contrary, yoga, as the world perceives it today, is a gateway to better health, peace, and inner harmony. Having a basic understanding of yoga but no prior knowledge of Tantra, I stumbled upon a Hindi PDF version of the book "Vijñāna Bhairav Tantra" explained by Nand Lal Dashora. Despite Tantra's often dark and mystical reputation, I approached the text without any preconceived notions, ready to explore this Indic tradition that I believe is more misunderstood than neglected. As part of Indic traditions, yoga and tantra both can work as transformative techniques when applied by humans and could pave the way to attain higher consciousness. Written in the 7th-8th century, it is a 1200-year-old granth; some scholars claim that the original work is much older (2000-5000 years old). It is difficult to determine the exact date. The book brings out tantra as the most powerful ancient guide for inner awakening. To my amazement, the author of this ancient Indian textbook is unknown, but the credit is unquestionably given to Shiva. It is presented as a dialogue between Shiva and his consort, Parvati, where her questions range from the most fundamental questions, like Who are you? What is the secret of the universe? What is the nature of reality? They are the quintessential questions of someone seeking enlightenment. In response, Shiva unveils 112 transformative meditation techniques, offering direct paths to self-realisation. While it's considered a revelation from Shiva, various scholars and spiritual teachers have translated and commented on the text over the centuries, making it accessible to a wider audience. Notable modern commentators include Swami Lakshmanjoo, Jaideva Singh, Osho, and many others. Some scholars have claimed that the 112 techniques of gaining higher knowledge are exhaustive and that Shiva has covered all possible ways of achieving advanced meditation. Vigyan Bhairav it's a timeless wisdom, a secret text from ancient India. Originally a Sanskrit text, Vijñāna Bhairav is made of three words: ‘Vijñāna’ means inner science, ‘Bhairav’ stands for Shiva, the supreme consciousness, and ‘tantra’ means techniques. It is said that Buddhists have learned from this text. Sufis have also borrowed from the priceless knowledge shared in the book. This is the source book of all meditation techniques that are known all over the world. The ultimate goal of these powerful 112 tantras or techniques of meditation, varying from breathing techniques to ways of focusing on different parts of one’s body, the sounds one hears, etc., is to connect human consciousness with cosmic consciousness. It mostly unveils several breathing techniques. The mind is attracted to rhythms, and the breath is the most natural rhythm a human can relate to. Watch the rhythm of your breaths and the gaps between two breaths. These tiny, often missed pauses or gaps between two breaths can reset your mind. The most noticeable aspect of this book is that it does not focus on beliefs but only on techniques. In other words, the methods mentioned in the book need no beliefs in any religion. Just the seeker’s breath and awareness are called upon at all times. Most of the techniques ask for the seeker’s complete presence. The book exhorts the seeker to simply notice the pause between inhale and exhale, as this pause between breaths can transform one’s state. The book mentions bare techniques without any floral or magical discussion of its results. It does not talk about divine revelations or what magical outcomes the sadhak would be blessed with, but it simply states the techniques. Moreover, it is very easy to feel that one’s knowledge has become one’s experience. The moment one learns about a technique, one might be deceived into talking about it as an experience, about the subjective aspect. However, Shiva has remained silent about the experience and does not make any claims about how the techniques will bring a sadhak closer to Him or how His grace will fall on the sadhak. This approach of higher knowledge is a rarity! As a Tantra text, its divine revelations come across as remarkably scientific. It posits that human physiology is a biological structure, and our instincts aren't easily tamed by mere moral teachings. True transformation, therefore, requires a scientific method to alter your inner consciousness. Tantra won't just tell you the answers; it offers practical techniques to discover them. It begins with the body because that's our undeniable reality, accepting "things as they are" without condemnation. The Vigyan Bhairav Tantra belongs to a form of yoga tantra called ‘Kashmir Shaivism’. Kashmir Shaivism is a philosophy of non-dualism or monism. It believes that the individual is not separate from God, and we are not separate from each other. There is only one, there is only God. There is no Reality but God. The fact that we look separate from each other is an illusion. The book contains a great deal of practical wisdom. Its message is meant to be applied in our day-to-day lives. Although it was written a long time ago, its message is eternal. It is meant for all times. These techniques can be followed by anyone, irrespective of their religion, to attain higher consciousness. Vijñāna Bhairav Tantra Rudrayamal Tantra Ka Gurh Rahasya explained by Nand Lal Dashora Number Of Pages:102 Publication Year: 2014 Publisher: Randhir Prakashan, Hardwar (India)