Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned terrorism, saying it was a threat to global peace and stability. Modi was speaking at a joint press conference with Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri, who is on a three-day visit to India.

“I and President Mauricio Macri agree that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability,” ANI quoted Modi as saying. Modi said the “brutal attack” in Pulwama proved that the time for talks had passed. “Now the entire world needs to unite against terrorism and its supporters and take strong actions.”

Modi also thanked Macri for announcing last year that the G20 summit will be held in India in 2022, on the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.

Macri, while addressing the joint press conference, paid his condolences to the 40 personnel killed in the terror attack in Pulwama, South Kashmir, on February 14. “We condemn every kind of terrorist attack,” Macri said. “I am truly pleased to be able to working together to fight this scourge on mankind.”

With India–Argentina trade just touching $ 3 billion in the last ten years, leaders of both sides agree to increase their cooperation further to improve economic relations.

The two countries inked ten agreements including in the defence, agriculture, space, pharmaceuticals, Between Prasar Bharati and its Counterpart, Antarctic cooperation, Work plan on Agriculture, Cooperation in IT and Nuclear energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri, accompanied by a high level official delegation and around 100 top industry representatives of the Argentinean companies held bilateral talks on Monday.

The delegation level talks focussed on cooperation in the agriculture sector, trade and investments, defence, Lithium Mining and space cooperation.

In his joint address to the media with the visiting leader, Modi said, that both agreed that terrorism is a huge threat to global peace and stability. Adding that there should be no delay in taking action against terrorism as it encourages terrorism further.

Calling Argentina a powerhouse of Agriculture, Modi said, and India sees it as a partner for food security.

In his press statement, Argentinean President Mauricio Macri while firmly condemning the Pulwama terror attack, said that “Argentina sees India as its business partner and both sides have great opportunities in non-conventional energies.”

The visit also comes close on the heels of the crisis in Venezuela and Argentina has recognised the opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the president. New Delhi has taken a cautious stand in the Venezuelan crisis since Caracas is the large oil exporter to India.

The Foreign Minister of Argentina Jorge Faurie, said that, “The crisis in Venezuela is affecting us and the news that India has recently bought a lot of crude from that country is disturbing. We have raised this with the Indian side during discussions today.”

“We are keen that Indian oil companies come and explore opportunities in the Shale Oil in our country,” he added.

Argentina has invited Indian companies to explore partnership opportunities in Vaca Muerta, one of the largest deposits of shale oil and gas in the world, and in renewable energies, particularly solar.

The South American nation is also interested in furthering exchange of knowledge and experiences in emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Health Systems and applied research, as well as financial and digital Inclusion.

The visit comes at a time when both the countries are celebrating the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Argentina. India and Argentina traditionally share warm and friendly ties anchored in mutually beneficial partnerships. The bilateral co-operation spans areas including economic, commercial, agriculture, science, technology, culture and tourism.

Later in the day Macri addressed the plenary session of the India-Argentina Business Forum at Hotel Taj Mahal before meeting with President Kovind in the evening. He is leaving for Mumbai on Tuesday from where he will return to Argentina after wrapping up his official visit.

Modi along with President Ram Nath Kovind, had earlier accorded a ceremonial reception to Macri and the First Lady, Juliana Awada.