Argentina pushes Britain to ease decades-old arms ban while Javier Milei signals diplomatic approach on Falklands dispute

Argentina has signaled it wants to shake up decades of restrictions on military equipment imports from the West.

President Javier Milei confirmed that talks are underway with Britain to ease a ban that has limited his country’s armed forces since the 1980s.

Under current UK export rules, any weapon containing British components cannot be sold to Argentina if it strengthens the nation’s military.

But Milei suggested this long-standing embargo could soon be revised.

“Absolutely, conversations have begun,” he told reporters, signaling a shift in what has been a tense and frozen policy area for years.

Diplomatic Firsts on the Horizon

Milei is reportedly planning a visit to Britain, which would make him the first Argentinian president to do so since 1998.

Sources indicate he hopes to meet with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, as well as prominent opposition figures including Nigel Farage.

At the same time, Starmer has been offered an invitation to Buenos Aires, hinting at a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Falklands Remain Central to Talks

The long-running Falklands dispute remains at the heart of Argentina’s ambitions.

Milei emphasized that he intends to pursue a peaceful, diplomatic solution.

“Giving up or relinquishing territory is out of the question,” he said, adding that the islands’ residents will “vote with their feet,” signaling his belief in eventual self-determination in Argentina’s favor.

A UK government spokesperson was quick to reaffirm Britain’s position: sovereignty of the Falklands is non-negotiable, and the islanders’ 2013 referendum overwhelmingly confirmed their wish to remain part of the UK.

Defence and Military Modernization

Argentina’s military, officials admit, is in “really bad shape,” a situation compounded by the arms embargo.

Negotiations over lifting the ban have been delegated to Milei’s defence minister, reflecting the president’s focus on strengthening Argentina’s armed forces through “commercially adult” dealings.

While Milei stopped short of proposing a full military alliance with Britain, he left the door open depending on potential threats, a notable softening from years of strained relations.

The Role of the United States

The US has quietly mediated discussions between London and Buenos Aires, helping to ease tensions and encourage dialogue.

Milei’s libertarian economic policies have also created new openings for trade and cooperation, which may help smooth the path toward a limited easing of defence restrictions.

A Complex Balancing Act

For Britain, easing arms sales to Argentina is a delicate matter.

While there are opportunities for trade, science, and cultural collaboration, London has been clear that military exports must not undermine security or alter the Falklands’ status.

Both countries appear eager to explore ways to work together, even as sensitive territorial and defence issues linger in the background.

What Comes Next

With talks ongoing, observers will be watching Milei’s visit closely.

Any agreements on arms sales or defence cooperation could reshape the region’s strategic balance, but the Falklands issue remains a firm line for Britain.

For now, diplomacy, negotiation, and careful maneuvering are the order of the day.