New Delhi, 13 November (H.S.): Argentine Ambassador to India Mariano Agustín Caucino has highlighted Argentina's growing role in India's food security, particularly as a major supplier of edible oils, while calling for deeper cooperation in agricultural technology, farm machinery and bilateral trade.

Speaking at the ambassadors' panel of the Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026, organised by the India Today Group at Bharat Mandapam under the theme 'Smart Kisan for Viksit Bharat', Caucino said bilateral trade between Argentina and India reached a record USD 6,908 million in 2025, more than double the 2019 figure. Trade increased by a further 10 per cent between January and September 2026 to USD 5,636 million, he said.

The Ambassador said agro-industrial products formed the backbone of bilateral economic relations. Argentina accounted for more than 60 per cent of India's crude soybean oil imports during the 2025-26 marketing year, making it India's largest supplier of edible oils.

Noting that India produces around 40 per cent of the edible oil it consumes, Caucino described Argentina as a reliable supplier and said its contribution helped Indian households access cooking oil at stable prices.

He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agricultural technology, particularly drones and smart farming. Referring to the fourth Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Buenos Aires on August 24, he said both countries had agreed to explore cooperation in drone technology and agricultural practices.

Argentina's experience in large-scale drone spraying and crop monitoring could complement India's drone manufacturing capabilities, he said. He also referred to no-till farming, silo-bag grain storage and precision agriculture as areas where the two countries could exchange expertise.

Caucino said Argentine purchases of Indian agricultural machinery, mainly tractors, increased by 34 per cent between 2019 and 2025. He noted that India had become Argentina's sixth-largest economic partner, reflecting the growing complementarity between the two economies.

The Ambassador also called for greater market access to diversify agricultural trade. Argentina is seeking opportunities to export citrus fruits, walnuts, blueberries, lentils and dairy products to India, while Indian products such as onions, grapes, potatoes and bananas could find greater access to the Argentine market.

He said Argentina was prepared to open its markets to Indian agricultural products and called for reciprocal steps from the Indian government.

Caucino also referred to cooperation in mining and said the relationship between the two countries had expanded over the past seven to eight years, supported by growing economic ties and converging national interests.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar