Argentina’s Expanding India Playbook

In the corridors of international diplomacy, few conversations blend commerce and culture as seamlessly as our latest discussion with His Excellency Mariano Agustin Caucino, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India. As Argentina’s liquid gold—its world-renowned wines—continues to capture global attention, the South American nation is positioning itself as a strategic partner for India’s growing appetite for premium agricultural products and energy solutions. Ambassador Caucino’s conversation with Bishan Kumar reveals not just the current state of India-Argentina relations, but also a roadmap for deepening economic ties while celebrating the cultural bridges, from Buenos Aires’ tango-filled streets to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, that make Argentina an irresistible destination for Indian travellers and investors alike.

How would you describe the current state of trade relations between Argentina and India? What are the primary focus areas in bilateral trade today?

First of all, at the bilateral level, India and Argentina share strong relations across a wide range of sectors. We have common values, maintain a stable flow of trade, and enjoy a partnership that was elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ status in 2019. Trade between the two countries has reached an impressive $4.6 billion, with Argentina emerging as a key supplier of soybean and sunflower oil to India — commodities that are vital for food security. India is among Argentina’s six largest trade partners. We are confident that commercial exchanges will continue along this path of mutually beneficial growth and development. 

Could you give us an overview of the key wineproducing regions in the country and the popular grape varietals, besides Malbec, that define Argentinian wines?

The most significant wine-producing regions in Argentina are Mendoza, San Juan, Salta, and La Rioja. Patagonia, in the south, also has a growing reputation for quality wine. Mendoza is leading in both volume and quality, producing over 70 percent of the country’s wine. It is especially renowned for Malbec, with sub-regions like Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley known for their high-altitude vineyards.

Of course, each region has distinct characteristics due to its unique terroir. Salta, known for its extremely high-altitude vineyards, produces excellent Torrontés white wine. La Rioja also offers Torrontés along with red varietals such as Malbec, Bonarda and Syrah. Patagonia, with its cooler climate, produces outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

From Vines to Pipelines

While Argentina’s wines are winning global awards, its energy sector is emerging as a key area for Indian investment. “The energy and mining sectors in Argentina have a lot of potential,” says Ambassador Caucino, highlighting Indian companies like Greenko, KABIL, and MECL already operating in the country. Recent agreements between Argentina’s premier oil and gas firm, YPF, and Indian counterparts ONGC, Oil India, and GAIL, underscore a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. As India diversifies its energy sources and premium imports, Argentina stands out as a strategic partner driving growth across multiple sectors

How well are Argentinian wines positioned in the global market currently? Which countries are the top export destinations?

As you may know, Argentina is among the world’s leading wine producers and exporters. Our wines are currently shipped to 127 countries, with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and the Netherlands as top destinations. Argentine wines are widely acclaimed and have won numerous awards. For example, Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2022 was named among Wine Spectator’s top 10 wines globally due to its excellent quality-to-price ratio. Similarly, Trapiche Tesoro Malbec 2022 received 93 points out of 100 at the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards and was named ‘Wine of the Year’ in the Malbec category.

With the US government imposing high tariffs on several countries’ wine and agricultural products recently, what impact has this had on Argentinian wine exports? How are producers and exporters adapting to this changing market scenario?

Naturally, these developments have an impact globally. We are closely monitoring the situation with US tariffs, which have evolved from the original outlook earlier this year. The outcome of these negotiations could affect not only Argentine exports but also Indian products being shipped to the US. I remain confident that our respective authorities will reach a favourable agreement with their American counterparts.

How important is India as a market for Argentinian wines and agricultural products? Which items hold the most potential here, especially for Indian consumers?

Exports of Argentine wines to India are currently moderate, but awareness is growing each year among Indian consumers. It is true that for India being the most populated country in the world, we could be exporting more, especially if tariff barriers are eased. I think varietals like Pinot Noir and Torrontés could resonate strongly with Indian tastes. In terms of food products, our popular sweet delicacy, dulce de leche, has just entered the Indian market.

Beyond trade, Argentina is a destination of remarkable natural beauty and cultural richness. Could you highlight some of the major tourist attractions that would appeal to Indian travellers?

Argentina is a vast country with diverse landscapes and four distinct seasons. From June to August, you can find snow-covered mountains and lakes in the southern regions. The Iguazú Falls, located in Misiones Province in the northeast, are among the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. We have archaeological sites, salt lakes, multicoloured mountains, and rich gastronomy in the northern part of our country in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca. Of course, Mendoza is a must-visit for wine lovers and it also offers outdoor activities such as rafting and trekking, along with stunning views of Mount Aconcagua. Buenos Aires, our capital, is a lively, cosmopolitan city with rich cultural life and exquisite architecture.

Pairing Palates

While red meat features prominently in Argentine cuisine, Indian meals often focus on chicken and fish. In that context, Malbec, with its fruit-forward and fullbodied profile, pairs beautifully with Indian spice palettes. Beyond Malbec, white wines such as Torrontés, an aromatic varietal from Salta, have gained popularity for their floral notes and smooth finish. There are several other regional wine varieties that complement Indian food well.

Argentina has so much to offer. What message would you like to share with Indian travellers? What might appeal to them the most?

Argentina may be geographically far from India, but it is part of a vibrant, culturally rich region, South America, that is well worth exploring. The country offers an incredibly diverse experience for travellers. For example, Buenos Aires offers a European ambience with its architecture, arts, and café culture. Beyond the capital, travellers can explore the colourful landscapes of Salta, the greenery of Misiones, the vineyards of Mendoza, and the stunning natural beauty of Patagonia.

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, almost comparable to India in terms of land area. To give you an idea of the scale, if you fly from the northern tip of Argentina to the southern end, you will be in the air for five hours and still remain within the country. This size brings an incredible variety of climates, cultures, and natural attractions—all in one destination.

Do you have any data on the number of Indian tourists currently visiting Argentina annually? Are there any initiatives underway to increase this figure?

We estimate that approximately 4,000 tourists visit Argentina annually. We would love to see that number grow. To that end, we are planning to work closely with Indian travel agencies to promote Argentina as a tourism destination

Malbec is popular among Indian wine consumers for its fruity and full-bodied character. What plans do you have to attract younger Indian consumers to this varietal?

We celebrate Malbec World Day every April to promote our Malbec wines. These events help connect importers, restaurants, and hoteliers with producers. We are also in touch with Argentine companies and help them connect with importers. Additionally, we are planning to hold more Malbec tasting events in the coming months to reach a wider audience.