PM Modi lays wreath at San Martin Memorial in Argentina

Buenos Aires, Jul 5 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid a wreath here at the memorial of General Jose de San Martin, regarded as a national hero in Argentina.

Jose Francisco de San Martin y Matorras is also known as the liberator of the South American nations Argentina, Chile and Peru. The monument was created in 1862 by French sculptor Louis Joseph Daumas.

“Paid homage to General José de San Martín in Buenos Aires. His courage and leadership played a pivotal role in Argentina’s history,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X.

“His life remains a symbol of patriotism and determination for the people of Argentina,” he added.

After the ceremony, Modi was received by President Javier Milei at Casa Rosada, the seat of Argentina government, here for bilateral engagements.

Prime Minister Modi and President Milei agreed to diversify India-Argentina trade basket and vowed to expand cooperation in a range of critical areas such as defence, security, energy and minerals.

In their wide-ranging talks, the two leaders emphasised on boosting defence cooperation between the two countries as it will serve each other's strategic interests.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Argentina on Friday evening on a two-day visit.

This is the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Argentina in 57 years. It is Modi's second visit to the country as prime minister; he had visited in 2018 for the G20 Summit.

It also marks the third stop on the prime minister’s five-nation visit.

In his departure statement, the prime minister said that Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20 and that he looked forward to discussions with President Javier Milei, whom he had met last year.

Modi reached here after concluding his two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, during which the two countries inked six agreements to expand bilateral ties.

In the fourth leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, followed by a state visit. In the final leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Namibia. PTI RD NPK GSP GSP