The highlight of the meeting was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Mines, and the provincial government of Catamarca, Argentina. The agreement will pave the way for deeper cooperation in the exploration and development of viable minerals.

The collaboration is expected to accelerate lithium exploration projects, enhance resource security, and create new opportunities for Indian companies in the mining sector in Latin America.

Argentina, which is part of the Lithium Triangle due to its large reserves of lithium, is an important partner of India in ensuring the supply of minerals required for storage for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy. The ongoing efforts to explore lithium by Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and Greenco in Catamarca as well as the possibility of increased participation of Indian companies in Argentine mining projects were also discussed. The two sides also explored the possibility of investment avenues, long-term supply agreements and joint ventures that would help strengthen India's supply of this important mineral.