Argentina President to undertake three-day visit of India

New Delhi, Oct.12 (ANI): The President of Argentina, Dr. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, will pay a three-day state visit to India from October 13 to October 15.

She will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the country's Foreign Minister and a large business delegation.

During the visit, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will hold discussions with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will call on the visiting dignitary.

On October 15, the Argentinian President will visit Agra and Mumbai.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's visit will take place during the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina.

This is also the first Presidential visit from Argentina in 15 years; the last visit was by President Menem in 1994. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina was in 1995 by Late P.V. Narasimha Rao for the G-15 Summit.

India and Argentina traditionally share friendly and close ties. Bilateral trade has been increasing steadily in recent years; it has reached US 1.3 billion dollars in 2008 from 694 million dollars in 2003.

India's exports were of 492 million dollars and imports were of 836 million dollars in 2008.

India exports mainly organic chemicals, engineering goods, auto parts and synthetic fibres while Argentina exports to India mainly edible oils; soya oil and sunflower oil.

Indian companies have made investments in IT, Pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals, mining sectors in Argentina. The total Indian investments in Argentina are to the tune of 119 million dollars, an MEA release said.

This stand-alone visit will be opportune to renew and carry forward India-Argentina relations to a higher level. A number of agreements for cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit and will cover wide ranging areas such as sports, science and technology, industrial research, hydrocarbons, trade promotion and business visas. (ANI)