PM Narendra Modi thanks Argentina for backing India's NSG bid

Modi congratulated Mauricio Macri for becoming the President and invited him to visit India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Argentine President Mauricio Macri and thanked him for supporting for India's membership at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Modi thanked him for Argentina's strong support for India's NSG membership bid and said it was important in the context of "our clean energy needs".

Macri said Argentina was keen to support India's nuclear energy needs.

Modi congratulated Macri for becoming the President and invited him to visit India.

He said he would like to personally take Macri to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, for whom the Argentine leader has always had a special place in his heart.

Macri recalled he first visited India as a tourist and then as a Mayor.

The President called for greater trade and investment ties with India and said he wanted to diversify Argentina's exports to New Delhi. He also sought investment by Indian companies.

The two countries are discussing India's draft for a Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Modi and Macri agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as agriculture, mining and hydro carbons.

Macri urged Indian companies to take part in the exploration of gas reserves in Argentina. He sought Indian collaboration in the area of food security.