India and Argentina have agreed for a bilateral exchange of young researchers and startups, particularly in the field of biotechnology and agriculture.

This was stated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh when the Governor of Santa Fe province of Argentina, Omar Angel Perotti called on him, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that a new Indo-Argentina call for joint proposals was launched on February 7, 2023 in the research areas of Energy Transition and Biotechnology jointly during his meeting with Argentina's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Daniel Filmus in New Delhi. A total of 82 joint proposals were received under the said call. These are under the evaluation process.

Governor of Santa Fe province mentioned that Santa Fe is the hub of R&D institutions in Biotechnology and Agricultural research especially in Soyabean, and close tie ups with universities and industry in the province. Pioneering work has been done here in disease resistant seed production, he said.

The Indian delegation evinced interest in collaborating in geospatial technology, quantum computation and bio-enzymes.

India is the 4^th largest trading partner of Argentina, with bilateral trade touching a historic peak of $6.4 billion in the year 2022, recording a growth rate of 12% over 2021. Exports from India to Argentina was worth $1.84 billion (31% growth rate) while India’s imports from Argentina was worth $4.55 billion.