4 days ago
Argentina Moves to Lower Barriers for Indian Pharma Trade
India and Argentina are trying to make it easier for Indian medicines to enter Argentina.
Argentina said it would work toward changing India’s regulatory status from Annex II to Annex I. This could reduce some rules that make it harder for Indian drug companies to sell there.
The countries also discussed selling Indian farm products in Argentina.
These products include onions, dairy products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.
They talked about lithium mining, energy, infrastructure and technology projects too.
Trade between the two countries was worth more than 6.5 billion US dollars in 2025.
India and Argentina also want to make business and cross-border trade easier.
Officials and business leaders hope the discussions lead to more trade and investment.
Argentina will work toward upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
The change is expected to reduce entry barriers for Indian medicines and improve access to affordable healthcare in Argentina.
Technical talks are advancing on Argentine market access for Indian onions, dairy products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.
India-Argentina bilateral trade exceeded USD 6.5 billion in 2025, growing by more than 17 percent annually.
The countries also reviewed cooperation in lithium, energy, infrastructure, aviation, space, telecommunications and digital services.
- Who
- India and Argentina, represented at the Joint Trade Committee by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Argentine Ambassador Fernando Brun.
- What
- Argentina committed to work toward lowering regulatory barriers for Indian pharmaceutical companies, while both countries discussed agricultural access, investment and broader economic cooperation.
- Where
- Buenos Aires, Argentina, including the Palacio San Martín.
- When
- The fourth India-Argentina Joint Trade Committee met on August 24, followed by the India-Argentina Business Forum on August 25.
- Why
- To expand market access, improve healthcare and agricultural trade, increase investment and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Key facts
- Pharmaceutical status
- Argentina will work toward upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
- 2025 bilateral trade
- Trade between India and Argentina exceeded USD 6.5 billion.
- Trade growth
- Bilateral trade grew by more than 17 percent annually in 2025.
- Agricultural products
- Technical discussions cover onions, milk and milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses.
- Lithium project
- KABIL completed Phase II drilling in Catamarca, Argentina.
- Business delegation
- More than 25 business leaders attended the August 25 forum, including representatives from UPL, Kirloskar and Aditya Birla Group.
- Additional cooperation
- Potential cooperation areas include aviation, space technology, telecommunications, 5G, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
Quotes
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry
India’s government ministry responsible for commerce and industry
“technical-level discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are advancing for Indian onions, milk and milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses, marking an important step towards their market access.”
CNBC TV 18
“Argentina has committed to work towards upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework and reducing barriers to entry”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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