The Argentine Republic is located in the extreme south of the South American continent. It is the eighth largest country in the world and second largest country in South America, after Brazil. The country stretches over 3700 kms. implying a wide variety of climates from the sub-tropical north to the icy lands of Patagonia. One-third of the country is made up of humid lands, of which 30% are sub-tropical woods and forests in the northeast and the rest is the Pampas plain covering an area of 600,000 sq.kms. The Pampas include the main agricultural and industrial region of the country and accounts for 70% of the population, 80% of the value of agricultural production and 85% of the industrial activity. The remaining two-thirds of the territory consist of arid or semi-arid regions or areas with prolonged dry periods. Argentina borders with Bolivia in the north, with Paraguay in the northeast,with Brazil, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and with Chile to the west. The country has a lengthy ocean coastline extending from the River Plate estuary to Tierra del Fuego (about 4725 kms).

The Argentine coast was first sighted by a Spaniard in 1560 but it was not until 1580 that Juan de Garay successfully founded a settlement in Buenos Aires. On May 25, 1810, the Municipality of Buenos Aires deposed the Spanish Viceroy. In 1816, Argentina proclaimed independence which was made possible by General José de San Martin, the Liberator. In 1817, Buenos Aires became the seat of the Federal Government. In 1852, a Constituent Assembly was held and decision was taken to organize the Argentine Republic on the basis of a federal system. The Constitution was framed in 1853.

The modern political history of Argentina dates back to 1909 when Saenz Peña won the elections and was nominated for the Presidency by a conservative coalition. Politically, Argentina was a Republic with a very restricted suffrage up to 1912 when universal suffrage was introduced. From 1916, till a military uprising in 1930, Radical Civic Union (founded in 1890) held power. In the post-World War II period, Argentina was ruled by General Juan Peron and later by his wife, Isabel Peron. In 1976, Isabel Peron was ousted by a military junta. In January 1982, General Galtieri took over as President. During his tenure, the Malvinas (Falklands) conflict took place from April 2 - June 15, 1982, which ended with a surrender of the Argentine forces to the British forces.

General Galtieri was removed from the office after the Malvinas conflict, and was succeeded by General Bignone. The country remained under military rule until October 1983 when the military junta handed over power to an elected civilian government headed by President Dr. Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín of the Radical Civic Union party. In December 1983, Dr. Alfonsín was sworn in as the first non-Peronist civilian President in 50 years.

In the Presidential elections held in May 1989, the Peronist party candidate, Carlos Saúl Menem, was elected as the President. As per constitutional provision, the transfer of power should have taken place on December 10, 1989. However, President Alfonsín resigned earlier due to the worsening economic situation caused by hyperinflation, and President-elect, Carlos Saúl Menem, was sworn-in on July 28, 1989. President Menem was re-elected in May 1995 after the constitution was amended to enable the re-election, for a further period of four years. In the presidential elections held on October 24, 1999, the opposition Radical-Frepaso Alliance candidate and sitting Mayor of Buenos Aires City, Dr. Fernando de la Rúa defeated his Peronist rival and Buenos Aires Governor Eduardo Duhalde. Fernando de la Rua took office as President from Carlos Menem on December 10, 1999.

INTERIOR AND SECURITY MINISTER: Dr. D. Aníbal Fernández

MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE AND CULTURE:  Dr. D. Rafael Bielsa

MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Dr. D. José Pampuro

MINISTER OF ECONOMY AND PRODUCTION: Dr. D. Roberto Lavagna

MINISTER OF FEDERAL PLANNING, PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND SERVICES: Arq. D. Julio De Vido

MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS: Dr. D. Horacio Daniel Rosatti

MINISTER OF WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY: Dr. D. Carlos Tomada

MINISTER OF HEALTH: Dr. D. Ginés González García

MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Dra. Da. Alicia Kirchner

MINISTER OF EDUCATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Lic. D. Daniel Filmus

The country is divided into the Federal Capital District of Buenos Aires and 23 Provinces with their own Governor, Senate and Chamber of Deputies. Each provincial constitution establishes its own form of government, generally along national lines. In the event of a breakdown of the constitutional machinery in a province, the National Congress can appoint an "Interventor" or adviser and rule by decree The Constitution, modelled on that of the United States, was framed in 1853. The Constitution stipulates the division of the Central Government into three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial.

The Executive Branch is headed by the President of the Republic. The President is directly elected by popular vote for four years period and re-election is possible for a single consecutive term. The Legislative Branch (Congress) is made up of two chambers, i.e., the 257-member Chamber of Deputies (lower House) and the 72-member Senate (Upper House). The Chamber of Deputies is composed of representatives from all the 23 Provinces and the City of Buenos Aires. Deputies are directly elected for the four-year period; elections for half the seats are held every two years.

The Senate is made up of three Senators from each Province and as many from the City of Buenos Aires. They are elected by direct popular vote for six-year term. The Judicial Branch consists of the Supreme Court of Justice and such other lower courts as the Congress may establish in the national territory.

Justicialist Party (Peronists), Radical Party, ARI party. There are other leftist and rightist parties with limited popular support.

For decades, the Argentine economy was noted for its recurrent cycles of instability with high and growing inflation rates. After reaching dizzy heights in 1989 when the consumer price went up to 4923%, inflation was brought under control since 1991 and has come down to an incredible 0% in 1998. This has been achieved by implementation of the new economic policies. The objective of the new economic policies has been to defeat hyperinflation, rebuild the State, institute a popular market economy, and integrate the Argentine economy in the world.

The key monetary instrument has been the implementation of the Convertibility Law passed in April 1991, requiring the Central Bank of Argentina to back 100% of the monetary base with gold, currency or other foreign currency assets and to sell currency at the rate of Peso 1 = US$ 1. At the same time, the Argentine Government liberalized its economy by lifting restrictions on imports, lowering the customs tariffs, coordinating foreign investment, re-negotiated its external debt under the Brady Plan, and embarked on a programme of privatization. In order to bring down the public expenditure, the government has privatized all utility services like gas, electricity, telephones, public transport and railways, including the state-owned oil company. Airports and postal services have already been privatized and plans are underway to privatize sea ports and nuclear power stations.

In the social reform sector, the Argentine Government launched a new social plan in 1991, which aimed at creating more than 20,000 jobs, improved health care, and giving the workers the freedom to choose the health plan of their choice. Until now the health plan schemes were managed by the Labour Unions, who oppose this part of the plan. The government, however, pushed the Bill through the Parliament. The government also introduced the private pension plan, giving choice to the workers to choose the plan they wanted. The Argentine Parliament has also passed a labour reform bill with a view to reducing the cost of production, housing and cost of services.

While the world has seen this economic miracle in Argentina, discontent has been brewing within the country as salaries have not kept pace with the overvaluation of Peso which has been made equivalent to US$. Since 1998 social unrest manifested itself in the form of strikes and civil disobedience in many parts of the country. The corruption, the political instability and fiscal mismanagement contributed towards the economic recession, which started four years back IN 1998. This ultimately led to the near collapse of the economic system in the end of 2001. The country saw nation wide riots and political protests which claimed 30 lives. The social unrest led to change of as many as five Presidents in a period of approximately two weeks (Dec. 21, 2001- Jan. 2,2002). President Duhalde’s administration (specially the Economy Minster Roberto Lavagna) took many important measures to solve the economic crisis. By early 2003, the bank freeze (both “corralito”-savings deposit and “corralon”-term deposits) were lifted. The local currency Peso gained ground against the dollar. The trade surplus increased on account of increase in exports. Favourable and timely negotiations with the IMF also helped the government to manage its fiscal and financial objectives. The new administration of President Kirchner (which retained Lavagna as the Economy Minister) has further improved the situation. Its September 2003 deal with the IMF and its successful swap of the defaulted debt of US$ 81 billion (over US$ 100 billion when interest is added) held by private bondholders (in February 2005) has greatly contributed to its financial health.

Argentina is a member of UN, UNCTAD, WTO, G-15, Africa Fund Committee, Organization of American States (OAS), MERCOSUR, Rio Group, ALADI, AFTA (Americas Free Trade Association), Antarctic Treaty, etc.

I. Political

1. India-Argentina relations are based on traditional friendship, understanding and sympathy. The bilateral relationship has been stable, cooperative and mutually beneficial, and has been free from strain. This has found reflection in the personal rapport and respect at the highest level of leadership in both countries.

2. Despite geographical barriers and other constraints, high-level exchange of visits has taken place between the two countries. Bilateral relations gained momentum with the visit of President Carlos Menem to India in March-April, 1994. During the visit, it was agreed to enter into agreements on Cultural Exchange Programme (1995-97), Science & Technology Cooperation, Bilateral Investment Protection And Promotion(BIPPA), Avoidance of Double Taxation(DTAA), and also decided to reactivate the India-Argentina Joint Business Council(JBC), to open consulates on a reciprocal basis, and to consider Air India starting flights to Argentina. Letters were also exchanged between the two sides during President Menem's visit on abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports and also on establishment of a Joint Commission for reviewing Argentina-India relations. A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Exim Bank of India and its counterpart BICE of Argentina was also signed during the visit.

3. Argentina decided not to open a consulate in Bombay due to economic reasons. EXIM Bank has given a draft cooperation agreement to the BICE of Argentina. Air India entered into code sharing agreement with the Argentine airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas, as operating flights was considered uneconomical. Until the visit of PM in November 1995, progress on the CEP and Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement(BIPPA) was considerably slow mainly due to lack of interest from the Argentine side.

4. Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao visited Buenos Aires from November 5-7, 1995. During his stay in Buenos Aires he attended the 5th G-15 Summit. He also met members of the Indian community; addressed a high-level Indian business delegation as well as a Conference of Indian Heads of Mission accredited to Latin American countries. On November 7, PM had a bilateral meeting with Argentine President Carlos Menem. During the meeting, the need for frequent exchange of high-level visits and finalization of agreements like BIPPA, DTAA, CEP and Science and Technology Exchange Programme was emphasized. Promotion of bilateral trade, economic and commercial relations and direct air links were also discussed. It was also agreed that the Joint Commission meeting be held in India soon.

5. After the MOU on Foreign Office-level consultations was signed between the two sides in September 1993 one full round was held in August 1994 during the visit of the then Secretary (West) to Buenos Aires. Secretary (West) Shri V.K Grover visited Buenos Aires for consultations in February 1996, in the context of India's candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat. Under Secretary for Foreign Policy Amb. Daverede visited India for Foreign Office level consultations from 1-3 July 1997. During his visit, a detailed review of bilateral relations was undertaken. Discussions also included regional and multilateral issues of concern to both sides. Secretary (West) Shri Lalit Man Singh paid a return visit from Oct 1-2, 1997 when detailed discussions were held on both multilateral and bilateral issues.

6. The Argentine Foreign Minister Guido di Tella was expected to visit India in November 1998 but the visit was postponed as he was engaged in the final stages of Argentina’s border agreement with Chile. The Indo-Argentine Joint Commission meeting and the JBC meeting scheduled to take place during the visit were also postponed.

7. A VVIP visit from India (President) was also expected in 1998 but did not materialise as mutually convenient dates could not be found.

8. Secretary (West) Shri R.S. Kalha, accompanied by JS(LAC) Shri A. Tripathi visited Buenos Aires on June 15, 1999 to brief local Foreign Office officials on the recent developments in Kashmir.

10. Ex-President Fernando De la Rua was expected to visit in 2001 but on account of his sudden resignation in December 2001 the visit was cancelled.

11. Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Rao Inderjit Singh made a 3-day visit to Argentina from April 25-27. He held two official bilateral meetings on April 26, 2005. The first meeting, relating to bilateral/multilateral economic and commercial issues was held with Ambassador Mr. Alfredo Vicente Chiaradia, Secretary of State for commerce & International Economic Relations while the second meeting involving political issues was held with Argentine Vice Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mr. Jorge E. Taiana. All major themes related to bilateral/multilateral economic, commercial and political aspects including the proposal for the visit of Argentine President Nestor Kirchner to India in the first quarter of 2006 and the visa for Indian businessmen visiting Argentina were discussed. He also held two informal meetings with the “Group of Parliamentarians Friends of Asia Pacific & Oceania” and the “Foreign Affairs Committee” of the Chamber of Deputies of the Argentine Congress. His visit was widely covered in the local print media. He was accompanied by Shri R. Viswanathan JS(LAC) and Shri Ram Subhag Singh, PS to MOS(EA).

12. There are eleven Agreements signed between India and Argentina. They are :-

The first agreement, granting each other Most Favoured Nation status, was signed in Buenos Aires on July 28, 1981. The agreement established a Joint Trade Committee to periodically review and promote bilateral trade. The first meeting of this Committee was held in New Delhi in September 1984 and the second meeting in Buenos Aires in August 1991. India and Argentina also signed an agreement on Economic and Commercial Cooperation on June 24, 1985. The Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) was signed in New Delhi on 20.8.99 during the visit of Dr.Julio Caceres, Secretary for Coordination in the Argentine Ministry of Economy. The Instruments of Ratification for the Agreement were exchanged in August 2002. The draft text of the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is also under consideration. The next meeting of the JBC has not taken place since 1995.

Traditionally the balance of trade has been in favour of Argentina and it was mainly attributable to the import of grain from this country. However after India attained self-sufficiency in food grains, it has shrank considerably. The last import of grain from Argentine was in 1984. Lack of direct banking channels and shipping links, combined with high freight, distance, language and Argentina's historical connections with Europe and USA trade growth. Trade figures for the last six years are given below:

    (US $ in million)

Principal items of export to Argentina : chemicals, automobiles and parts, 2- wheelers and parts, bicycles and parts, textiles and garments, engineering goods,  electrical and electronic equipment, metal products, handtools, rubber products, plastic products, jute yarn and products, carpets, essential oils, leather & leather products, ceramic products, imitation jewelry, iron & steel articles etc. Principal items of import Argentina : edible oils, chemicals, iron and steel products, cotton yarn, wool, bovine leather, wood pulp, paper and paper board, zinc, copper waste and scrap etc.

1. For most Argentines, India has always been a mystical country, a source of philosophical inspiration, spiritual strength and fascination. The unique experiment and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi has left a strong impression on the Argentine psyche. Rabindranath Tagore's sojourn in Argentina in 1924, when he was the guest of Madame Victoria Ocampo is still recalled fondly. Mother Teresa had a great following in Argentina and her passing away resulted in a tremendous outpouring of grief all over the country. Mrs. Indira Gandhi during her visit unveiled plaque in house where Rabindra Nath Tagore stayed during his visit.

2. On the basis of the Cultural Agreement concluded at Buenos Aires on May 28, 1974 between the Governments of India and Argentina, a Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 1985-87 was signed at New Delhi on January 24, 1985. This programme could not be implemented due to lack of interest on the Argentine side, as well as owing to economic factors. A draft Cultural Exchange Programme is presently under consideration of both the Governments. For the last several years Argentine students have been awarded a year's scholarship to study Hindi at the Central Hindi Sansthan in Agra. Under the G-15 category, Argentina also receives three scholarships annually for the courses offered under the ITEC scheme.

3. Apart from Government to Government interaction, there are some private organizations which have usefully engaged in activities for propagating Indian culture in Argentina. The major ones are: Anand Bhavan Centre of Studies on Modern India (estd. in Buenos Aires in November 1977 by its founder President, Prof. Maria Renee Cura); Mahatma Gandhi Library and Hockey School, Rosario (estd. in 1970); Sivananda Centre of Vedanta Yoga, Buenos Aires (started about 30 years ago by Swami Sivapremananda); Hindustani Association of Argentina, Salta; the Argentina-India Cultural Institute (comprised of eminent orientologists); Fundacion Hastinapura (started in the late 1970s and now has 11 branches); the Ramakrishna Mission (the oldest in Latin America – established in 1933); and others.

4. On 6 November 1996, in New Delhi Argentine poet and Gandhian, Prof. Adolfo de Obieta was awarded the Jamnalal Bajaj Award for promotion of Gandhian values outside India.

5. On June 22, 1999 a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi donated by ICCR was installed in the City of Buenos Aires, the first of any Indian leader in the city. Dr. Fernando de la Rúa, the then Mayor of Buenos Aires officially inaugurated the statue at a glittering ceremony in Plaza Sicilia, opposite the street named after the Republic of India. A bust of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by the Indian community has been installed in Cordoba, second largest city of Argentina.

6. An exhibition of photographs on India was organized in May-June 1999 at the Recoleta Cultural Centre in Buenos Aires by Dr. Daniel Forster, in collaboration with the Mission. An India week, Semana de la India was organized in the city of Mar del Plata from September 27 to October 2, 1999. The programme which consisted of photo and painting exhibitions, handicraft exhibition, fashion show, classical music and dance show, yoga demonstration and talks on various Indian themes, was greatly appreciated by the residents and visitors of the city. Paintings on Indian themes by Argentine painter Horacio Rodriguez were out on display at the Government House Casa Rosada in November 1999. Sonal Mansingh gave dance performance in Argentina in connection with the India’s 50 years of Independence celebrations. Another NGO Kororu