Italys Ambassador Highlights Unprecedented Progress in Partnership with India

New Delhi, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : Italy’s Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli, commended the remarkable progress in the bilateral relationship between India and Italy during a recent discussion at the NDTV World Summit. He emphasized that the partnership is results-oriented and has seen unprecedented advancements. Bartoli noted the effective collaboration between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a significant factor in this growth.

Participating in the session titled “The West, Rewired: The New Transatlantic Order,” Bartoli shared the platform with other diplomats, including Jean-Eric Paquet, the European Union’s ambassador, and Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner.

When asked about the changes in the India-Italy strategic partnership over recent years, Bartoli highlighted the importance of coordination between the leaders of both nations. He stressed that effective diplomacy requires not only good relations among leaders but also alignment of mutual interests.

“This is a results-oriented partnership, and we are making unprecedented progress,” Bartoli stated. He pointed out that both countries share several interests, particularly in connectivity and maritime links, given their geographical similarities.

The ambassador noted India’s ambition to strengthen its manufacturing base, while Italy stands as Europe’s second-largest industrial power, suggesting vast opportunities for collaboration. He also revealed that Italy and India have developed a roadmap for cooperation across various sectors, with a goal to elevate bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2029.

Bartoli mentioned that interests align in defense, space, energy, and security, which benefits not only Italy but also fosters connections with Europe. He announced that both countries have designated the upcoming year as a celebration of culture and tourism, aimed at enhancing people-to-people ties.

Discussing India’s evolving diplomatic role, Bartoli remarked that India is no longer a passive observer in global affairs. He noted a shift from non-alignment to a multi-alignment approach, with India taking on a more active role. “With this increased global responsibility, Italy welcomes India’s proactive stance,” he added.

On the subject of India’s growing involvement in resolving the Ukraine conflict, Bartoli remarked that global events are interconnected, and conflicts cannot be viewed in isolation. He explained that the aggression from Russia and the war in Ukraine affect not only Europe but have broader implications for international stability.

He cautioned against attributing rising fuel prices solely to the Ukraine war, noting that events in Iran and potential disruptions in food supply routes also play significant roles. Bartoli underscored the necessity of understanding the interconnectedness of global challenges to address them effectively.

During the discussion, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green expressed concerns over China’s military expansion and its naval deployments. He stated that while Australia collaborates with China where possible, it prioritizes national interests in areas of disagreement.

Green highlighted that a previous trade stagnation with China had impacted approximately $20 billion in Australian exports, but noted that 96% of that trade found new markets, enhancing Australia’s economic resilience. He emphasized that cooperation with China is crucial on global issues like climate change, but raised alarms about the rapid pace of China’s military growth.

He pointed out concerning military activities in the Tasman Sea and the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles near small island nations in the South-West Pacific, calling for transparency and answers regarding these developments.

Green concluded, “We collaborate where we can with China, disagree where necessary, and always act in accordance with our national interests.”