India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor or IMEEC that is being positioned as a global connectivity corridor can play a pivotal role in the process of building a crucial “peace and trade route” amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli told ET's Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury. In a wide-ranging interview, Bartoli also spoke about growing defence partnership; Italian investments in India & possible third country partnership in Africa;
India-Italy partnership has scaled new heights in recent years. Can you give a snapshot of the current state of strategic partnership?
Italy and India are developing an unprecedented cooperation. Our two countries complement each other and are therefore bound to be partners. Bilateral trade (€ 14,3 billion in 2023) has increased by 37% over the last three years. Moreover, we have a significant research and development cooperation with several co-funded projects in sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, space, new materials and biomedicine. Academic cooperation and, more generally, cultural collaboration, for instance in the preservation and restoration of heritage sites, are gaining pace. We offer a substantive cultural program here and intend to organize important exhibitions in India. We are also working together on tourism in connection with the film industry, as movies can attract tourist to fantastic places in both our countries.
Our political dialogue has gained a new momentum at all levels, especially since the qualitative leap in March 2023 when our Leaders launched a Strategic Partership. In October 2023 we have signed a Defence Agreement which also facilitates Government and Business collaboration. In November 2023 a Migration and Mobility Agreement was inked. It caters for great perspectives and a win-win situation in the labour market. The promotion of Italian language and vocational training will also be instrumental in this area of enhanced co-operation.
All in all, the Italy-India tandem currently looks like a successful start-up that is searching for more “venture capital”, beyond the 6.7 billion Italian foreign direct investments (in stock in 2023). We also look forward to increasing Indian investments in Italy.
This potential in our relationship is driving the agenda of our two Prime Ministers, who will meet again at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November. It will be their fifth bilateral meeting in the last two years. In Rio they will take stock of the current initiatives and they intend to adopt a new bilateral agenda, through an ambitious Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.
What are Italy's plans to partner India to boost IMEEC? Do you think that the current conflict in West Asia will delay the implementation of IMEEC?
As our Prime Minister Meloni pointed out at the Raisina Dialogue in March 2023, in the “Indo-Mediterranean” Italy and India share common interests and face common challenges. The Indo-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) aims to turn this vision into reality by creating the infrastructure needed to boost one of the busiest and most important trade routes in the world.
Nowadays, the conflict in the Middle East (or West Asia from the Indian point of view) is unfortunately still going on. Italy has been calling for the liberation of the hostages, for a cease fire both in Gaza and in Lebanon and for the protection of civilian population in the conflict. Moreover, Italy has sent humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Gaza. Food and medicines have been delivered and continue to be delivered in the framework of the project “Food for Gaza”. As the Italian Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani has underscored several times, there is no alternative to the two State solution.
In Europe we have learned, after the catastrophe of two world wars, that trade relations can be a robust tool for peace. We have to adopt a strategic long term vision to ensure shared prosperity. IMEEC can gather countries that share the common interest in the peaceful order of the ¨Enlarged Mediterranean¨. We have to pave the way for that. Completing railway connections, making ports, logistic and customs systems more compatible, building - as the Telecom Italia Sparkle is doing - a high speed data connection with a cable going from Mumbai to Genoa, can be part of stabilizing this region.
Italy has a vital interest in an ever closer connection between Europe, West Asia and India. Our country ranks sixth among the world’s largest exporters and third for the ratio between trade and GDP. For instance, the value of the Blue Economy in Italy amounts to € 59 billion. In 2023, Italian ports handled over 474 million tons of goods. Seven out of the top ten Ro-Ro (roll on- roll off) ports in the Mediterranean are in Italy. This sector has grown by 56% in the last decae.
Italy attaches utmost importance to freedom of navigation and has therefore been at the forefront of the EU’s Naval Force Operation ASPIDES, an EU defensive maritime security operation to safeguard Maritime Security in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf.
Thanks to the Italian ports, that are a natural and convenient gateway to the heart of Europe, IMEEC can play a pivotal role in the process of building a crucial “peace and trade route”.
What is the roadmap for India-Italy defence partnership particularly in the defence industry sector?
The Italian Defence is increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Last year the patrolling vessel ITS Francesco Morosini paid a visit to Mumbai. From October 1st to 5th the Italian Carrier Strike Group, that includes the main Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and the frigate ITS Alpino, visited Goa. What is especially important about this visit are the joint exercises the Italian Carrier Strike Group performed with the Indian Navy. And the amazing tall ship Amerigo Vespucci will stop in Mumbai from November 28th to December 2nd. Vespucci is the training ship of the Italian Navy. It was labelled by the US aircraft carrier USS Independence as “the most beautiful in the world” during an encounter in 1962.
These visits once again showcase Italian expertise in the defence sector and provide an opportunity for joint training and exchanges between our armed forces. Italy is at the forefront of several industrial defence projects, such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the UK and Japan and represents a reliable partner for the growing Indian defence, from maritime to high altitude defence equipment.
Our Ministries of Defence are also working on reciprocal visits. This will help, i.a. to further deepen India’s knowledge of the Italian defence sector. The newly appointed Italian Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolanohas been in India earlier this year in his previous capacity. Together we are looking forward to continuing our fruitful dialogue with all Indian stakeholders.
Can India and Italy partner for third country projects in Africa? What are Italy's views on India's role in the Mediterranean region?
Africa, and in particular East Africa and the Horn of Africa, is at the heart of the Indo-Mediterranean convergence. In this region, Egypt, Ethiopia Kenya, and Mozambique are amongst the first chosen countries of Italy’s “Piano Mattei”, a four-year plan with 5.5-billion-euro public investment that involves also the private sector. This plan is aimed at promoting economic and social development in Africa through sustainable projects with a partnership approach. Projects involve six main areas: education, agriculture, health, energy, water, physical and digital infrastructures. India entertains growing relationships with these countries, too. Hence there is much room for growth in exploring the potential of a joint engagement in Africa.
At the same time, we have seen India increasingly engage with Mediterranean countries, both on the southern and northern shore. Apart from investing in Mediterranean ports, India has taken part in joint exercises in the Mediterranean and is coordinating itself with the Mediterranean, also through centres like the IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre of the Indian Ocean Region). As a growing global actor, I am convinced India can play a major, constructive role in maintaining peace also in the Mediterranean Sea.
How would you describe the current state of Italian investments in India?
Italian companies are showing a growing interest in the Indian market and its investment opportunities. Nearly 800 Italian companies are active in India, and around 300 have a production facility in the country, especially in the sectors of machinery (for textile, food processing, steel industry), automotive (also for agriculture) and infrastructure (advanced materials, engineering, energy transition), often through joint ventures with local companies. This investment model intensely relies on partnerships and the sharing of know-how and technology, thus providing value added for local growth. A further increase in the economic and bilateral relations between Italy and India could be stimulated by more Indian investments in Italy, both greenfield and brownfield. There is still untapped potential that could benefit from the integration of India into global value chains, which would bring advantages not only to foreign investors but also to the Indian economy as a whole.
India-Italy partnership has scaled new heights in recent years. Can you give a snapshot of the current state of strategic partnership?
Italy and India are developing an unprecedented cooperation. Our two countries complement each other and are therefore bound to be partners. Bilateral trade (€ 14,3 billion in 2023) has increased by 37% over the last three years. Moreover, we have a significant research and development cooperation with several co-funded projects in sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, space, new materials and biomedicine. Academic cooperation and, more generally, cultural collaboration, for instance in the preservation and restoration of heritage sites, are gaining pace. We offer a substantive cultural program here and intend to organize important exhibitions in India. We are also working together on tourism in connection with the film industry, as movies can attract tourist to fantastic places in both our countries.
Our political dialogue has gained a new momentum at all levels, especially since the qualitative leap in March 2023 when our Leaders launched a Strategic Partership. In October 2023 we have signed a Defence Agreement which also facilitates Government and Business collaboration. In November 2023 a Migration and Mobility Agreement was inked. It caters for great perspectives and a win-win situation in the labour market. The promotion of Italian language and vocational training will also be instrumental in this area of enhanced co-operation.
All in all, the Italy-India tandem currently looks like a successful start-up that is searching for more “venture capital”, beyond the 6.7 billion Italian foreign direct investments (in stock in 2023). We also look forward to increasing Indian investments in Italy.
This potential in our relationship is driving the agenda of our two Prime Ministers, who will meet again at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November. It will be their fifth bilateral meeting in the last two years. In Rio they will take stock of the current initiatives and they intend to adopt a new bilateral agenda, through an ambitious Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.
What are Italy's plans to partner India to boost IMEEC? Do you think that the current conflict in West Asia will delay the implementation of IMEEC?
As our Prime Minister Meloni pointed out at the Raisina Dialogue in March 2023, in the “Indo-Mediterranean” Italy and India share common interests and face common challenges. The Indo-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) aims to turn this vision into reality by creating the infrastructure needed to boost one of the busiest and most important trade routes in the world.
Nowadays, the conflict in the Middle East (or West Asia from the Indian point of view) is unfortunately still going on. Italy has been calling for the liberation of the hostages, for a cease fire both in Gaza and in Lebanon and for the protection of civilian population in the conflict. Moreover, Italy has sent humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Gaza. Food and medicines have been delivered and continue to be delivered in the framework of the project “Food for Gaza”. As the Italian Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani has underscored several times, there is no alternative to the two State solution.
In Europe we have learned, after the catastrophe of two world wars, that trade relations can be a robust tool for peace. We have to adopt a strategic long term vision to ensure shared prosperity. IMEEC can gather countries that share the common interest in the peaceful order of the ¨Enlarged Mediterranean¨. We have to pave the way for that. Completing railway connections, making ports, logistic and customs systems more compatible, building - as the Telecom Italia Sparkle is doing - a high speed data connection with a cable going from Mumbai to Genoa, can be part of stabilizing this region.
Italy has a vital interest in an ever closer connection between Europe, West Asia and India. Our country ranks sixth among the world’s largest exporters and third for the ratio between trade and GDP. For instance, the value of the Blue Economy in Italy amounts to € 59 billion. In 2023, Italian ports handled over 474 million tons of goods. Seven out of the top ten Ro-Ro (roll on- roll off) ports in the Mediterranean are in Italy. This sector has grown by 56% in the last decae.
Italy attaches utmost importance to freedom of navigation and has therefore been at the forefront of the EU’s Naval Force Operation ASPIDES, an EU defensive maritime security operation to safeguard Maritime Security in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf.
Thanks to the Italian ports, that are a natural and convenient gateway to the heart of Europe, IMEEC can play a pivotal role in the process of building a crucial “peace and trade route”.
What is the roadmap for India-Italy defence partnership particularly in the defence industry sector?
The Italian Defence is increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Last year the patrolling vessel ITS Francesco Morosini paid a visit to Mumbai. From October 1st to 5th the Italian Carrier Strike Group, that includes the main Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and the frigate ITS Alpino, visited Goa. What is especially important about this visit are the joint exercises the Italian Carrier Strike Group performed with the Indian Navy. And the amazing tall ship Amerigo Vespucci will stop in Mumbai from November 28th to December 2nd. Vespucci is the training ship of the Italian Navy. It was labelled by the US aircraft carrier USS Independence as “the most beautiful in the world” during an encounter in 1962.
These visits once again showcase Italian expertise in the defence sector and provide an opportunity for joint training and exchanges between our armed forces. Italy is at the forefront of several industrial defence projects, such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the UK and Japan and represents a reliable partner for the growing Indian defence, from maritime to high altitude defence equipment.
Our Ministries of Defence are also working on reciprocal visits. This will help, i.a. to further deepen India’s knowledge of the Italian defence sector. The newly appointed Italian Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolanohas been in India earlier this year in his previous capacity. Together we are looking forward to continuing our fruitful dialogue with all Indian stakeholders.
Can India and Italy partner for third country projects in Africa? What are Italy's views on India's role in the Mediterranean region?
Africa, and in particular East Africa and the Horn of Africa, is at the heart of the Indo-Mediterranean convergence. In this region, Egypt, Ethiopia Kenya, and Mozambique are amongst the first chosen countries of Italy’s “Piano Mattei”, a four-year plan with 5.5-billion-euro public investment that involves also the private sector. This plan is aimed at promoting economic and social development in Africa through sustainable projects with a partnership approach. Projects involve six main areas: education, agriculture, health, energy, water, physical and digital infrastructures. India entertains growing relationships with these countries, too. Hence there is much room for growth in exploring the potential of a joint engagement in Africa.
At the same time, we have seen India increasingly engage with Mediterranean countries, both on the southern and northern shore. Apart from investing in Mediterranean ports, India has taken part in joint exercises in the Mediterranean and is coordinating itself with the Mediterranean, also through centres like the IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre of the Indian Ocean Region). As a growing global actor, I am convinced India can play a major, constructive role in maintaining peace also in the Mediterranean Sea.
How would you describe the current state of Italian investments in India?
Italian companies are showing a growing interest in the Indian market and its investment opportunities. Nearly 800 Italian companies are active in India, and around 300 have a production facility in the country, especially in the sectors of machinery (for textile, food processing, steel industry), automotive (also for agriculture) and infrastructure (advanced materials, engineering, energy transition), often through joint ventures with local companies. This investment model intensely relies on partnerships and the sharing of know-how and technology, thus providing value added for local growth. A further increase in the economic and bilateral relations between Italy and India could be stimulated by more Indian investments in Italy, both greenfield and brownfield. There is still untapped potential that could benefit from the integration of India into global value chains, which would bring advantages not only to foreign investors but also to the Indian economy as a whole.
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