India and Argentina Forge Drone Technology Partnership to Boost Surveillance and Agriculture

Highlights

• India and Argentina explore drone use for fisheries, agriculture, and surveillance.
• India’s Namo Drone Didi scheme inspires Argentina, promoting women’s empowerment in tech.
• Broader cooperation in critical minerals, oil & gas, defence, and space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Argentina on July 06, 2025, has catalyzed a groundbreaking partnership in drone technology, heralding a new era in bilateral cooperation. Discussions with Argentine President Javier Milei centered on leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to address critical challenges in agriculture, security, and infrastructure, strengthening ties between the two nations.

Diverse Applications of Drone Technology

The collaboration emphasizes drone applications across multiple sectors. In fisheries, drones will monitor illegal fishing, ensuring sustainable marine resource management. For agriculture, UAVs will enable precision farming, optimizing crop yields through aerial monitoring and pesticide spraying. Border surveillance will benefit from cost-effective drone patrols, replacing expensive helicopter operations, while power line inspections will enhance energy infrastructure reliability.

India’s Namo Drone Didi Scheme: A Global Inspiration

India showcased its Namo Drone Didi scheme, which has trained over 15,000 rural women to operate drones for agricultural tasks. This initiative has boosted productivity and empowered women economically, serving as a model for gender-inclusive tech adoption. Argentina expressed interest in replicating this program, potentially leading to joint training initiatives and knowledge exchange.

Broader Scope of Cooperation

Beyond drones, the partnership spans critical minerals like lithium, vital for electric vehicle batteries, and sectors such as oil and gas, defense, nuclear energy, space, and agriculture. This comprehensive approach aims to address global challenges like food security and energy sustainability, positioning India and Argentina as leaders in the Global South’s technological landscape.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

The drone collaboration is poised to create new markets for Indian drone manufacturers, such as Skyroot Aerospace, and Argentine agribusinesses. Joint ventures could generate thousands of jobs, from drone assembly to operator training. Economically, the partnership could boost bilateral trade, currently at $2.5 billion, by opening avenues for technology exports and investments.

Strategic Implications

Strategically, enhanced drone-based surveillance will strengthen border security, addressing concerns like smuggling and illegal migration. For Argentina, this aligns with its efforts to modernize defense capabilities, while India leverages its expertise in drone exports to African nations. The partnership could foster a broader India-Latin America tech corridor, amplifying regional influence.

Challenges to Implementation

Regulatory harmonization remains a hurdle, as both nations must align drone airspace policies and safety standards. Ensuring affordability for small-scale farmers and addressing skill gaps in rural areas are also critical. However, opportunities like joint R&D for advanced drone systems and potential exports to Latin American markets offer significant growth potential.

Global Context and Future Prospects

The global drone market, projected to reach $63 billion by 2030, underscores the timeliness of this partnership. India’s success in exporting drones to Africa positions it as a mentor for Argentina’s nascent UAV industry. Future plans include establishing joint task forces and R&D hubs by mid-2026, ensuring sustainable progress and innovation.

Community and Environmental Impact

Drones will promote sustainable practices, such as reducing pesticide overuse in agriculture and minimizing carbon emissions in surveillance operations. Community engagement, particularly through women-led drone programs, will drive social inclusion, aligning with India’s vision of technology for all.