Argentina and India building a strong future in multipolarity: Amb. Caucino

Mariano Agustín Caucino, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India, recently hosted a delegation of businesswomen from Argentina at his residence. While welcoming Fabiana Ricagno and fellow delegates, he acknowledged the efforts of cultural and academic bridges who has been a longstanding advocate for strengthening ties between the two nations. “Argentina and India share a robust and evolving partnership, deeply rooted in agriculture, with Argentina being a key supplier of soya and sunflower oil to Indian households, often unknowingly present on their dining tables,” rejoices Ambassador Mariano Caucino while highlighting the relationship between the two countries that’s been diversifying into strategic areas like energy and lithium, fostering greater collaboration.
In a rapidly shifting global landscape, Ambassador Caucino sees vast potential in the growing relationship between the two nations. Ambassador Caucino brings a wealth of diplomatic experience, having previously served as Ambassador to Costa Rica and Israel. His deep understanding of geopolitics and history shapes his approach to fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between India and the Argentine Republic.
In an engaging conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Ambassador Caucino shares his insights on Argentina’s economic reforms, the future of India-Argentina relations, and how the two nations can cooperate in the emerging multipolar world.
Ambassador Caucino also highlights the significance of cultural exchanges, recalling the historic connection between the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and the Argentine writer Victoria Ocampo, which is also the central theme of the critically acclaimed Indo-Argentinean film ‘Thinking of him,’ which was recently screened at the 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival. Co-produced by the Indian filmmaker Suraj Kumar, who is best known for his directorial on Sri Aurobindo, ‘Thinking of Him’ is directed by the Argentine filmmaker Pablo César.
“Argentina and India share a great future in a world that is moving towards multipolarity,” Ambassador Caucino remarks early in the conversation. As countries like India emerge as global players, the world is gradually shifting away from a unipolar structure, where the United States dominated international affairs, to a more decentralized order. For Caucino, this is an opportunity for Argentina to align with nations like India to address global challenges and advance mutual interests.
Caucino’s enthusiasm for India is palpable, driven by his view of the country as a growing powerhouse on the global stage. With its booming economy, youthful population, and increasing influence in global governance institutions like the G20, India is well-positioned to shape the future. “India is the fastest-growing economy among the large economies in the world,” he highlights, pointing to India’s market dynamism and innovation. “There are other fast-growing countries, but none with the scale and potential that India has.”
Argentina’s economy has been going through significant reforms in recent years, aiming to attract foreign investment and boost competitiveness. Ambassador Caucino sees parallels between Argentina’s current path and the transformative economic reforms India underwent in the early 1990s, which helped propel the country onto the world stage.
“India’s economic liberalization in the early ‘90s is a blueprint for countries like Argentina,” Caucino notes. “The way India opened up its economy, deregulated industries, and embraced globalization is something we can learn from.”
He is candid about Argentina’s challenges but emphasizes the ongoing reforms that are creating opportunities for foreign investors. “We are trying to reduce taxes, deregulate sectors, and make our economy more competitive. It’s a difficult road, but necessary,” he states. Caucino stresses that foreign partnerships, particularly with countries like India, will play a critical role in helping Argentina achieve its economic goals.
Both India and Argentina are members of the G20, and Ambassador Caucino is optimistic about how this platform can help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. “The G20 is the perfect platform for what Kofi Annan used to call ‘problems without passports,’” he recollects. “Issues like climate change, global health crises, and cybercrime require collective action, and India’s leadership in the G20 can unite emerging and developed economies to find solutions.”
With India holding the G20 presidency, Caucino believes there’s a unique opportunity for both countries to deepen their cooperation. “We both are part of the G20, and I think Argentina and India can work together on global issues, from climate change to digital governance. India’s role in the G20 gives us a chance to collaborate more closely.”
While trade and economics are key aspects of any diplomatic relationship, Ambassador Caucino places great emphasis on the role of culture in strengthening ties between nations. “Cultural exchanges are incredibly important because they create bonds between people that transcend politics or economics,” he explains.
Tango and polo are beloved in Argentina, just as yoga is revered in India, and these cultural traditions have found homes in both nations. “The popularity of tango and polo in India and the growing interest in yoga in Argentina show that our cultures are becoming more intertwined,” he rejoices.
Tagore visited Argentina in 1924, where he met Ocampo, and their friendship became a symbol of the enduring cultural bond between the two countries. “Tagore’s visit to Argentina and his bond with Victoria Ocampo mark the beginning of our bilateral relations,” recollects Caucino. “This connection between two great minds, long before formal diplomatic ties, is a testament to how culture can precede and even strengthen political relationships.” As both nations commemorate the 100th anniversary of Tagore’s visit to Argentina, this historical moment serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined the two cultures have become over time.
On the economic front, Argentina and India already share a robust trade relationship, particularly in sectors like agriculture and energy. According to Ambassador Caucino, there’s room to further expand these economic ties, particularly in new and emerging sectors. “We already have strong trade in agriculture, but there’s so much more we can do,” he stresses. “Technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals—these are areas where Argentina and India can collaborate more.”
Caucino is especially keen on enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, an area where both countries have shown interest in recent years. “Argentina is rich in natural resources, particularly in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. We are looking for partners, and India is a natural fit, given its leadership in clean energy.”
Beyond economic and cultural ties, Ambassador Caucino accentuates that Argentina and India also share common values that can serve as the foundation for broader international cooperation. “Both our countries believe in multilateralism, respect for international law, and the importance of democratic governance,” he emphasizes. “These shared values allow us to work together not just on bilateral issues but on global challenges.”
Caucino pointed to Argentina’s history of supporting peacekeeping missions and its commitment to international law as areas where the two nations could collaborate more. “We are both committed to peace and stability in the world, and that’s something we can build on as we continue to strengthen our relationship,” he says.
As Ambassador Caucino looks ahead to the future of India-Argentina relations, he is optimistic about the opportunities for collaboration across a range of sectors. His tenure, he hopes, will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between the two nations, one defined not just by trade and diplomacy but by shared goals in the global arena.
“My key priorities are to promote Argentina’s economic reforms and to attract more foreign investment. India, as a growing global power, is an important partner in that effort,” he says. “We also want to deepen our cultural exchanges and strengthen people-to-people ties, which are the bedrock of any long-lasting relationship.”
Ambassador Mariano Caucino’s vision for India-Argentina relations reflects the evolving nature of global diplomacy. With a focus on shared values, economic collaboration, and cultural understanding, he believes that the future is bright for both nations. “India and Argentina have so much to offer each other, and I am excited about what we can achieve together in the years to come,” he sums up with a smile.