NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met Italy’s Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli, in New Delhi to discuss the strengthening of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. Ambassador Bartoli, who assumed office in July 2023, has been actively working to enhance bilateral ties between the two nations. He previously emphasized that Italy and India are “natural platforms for sharing goods, culture, and innovation,” highlighting his commitment to advancing the strategic relationship, focusing on areas such as peace, growth, science and technology, energy transition, and security.
The meeting comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. India and Italy have seen an increase in high-level interactions in recent years. Notably, in October, India and Italy collaborated on various initiatives, including a historic maritime exercise between their navies. Ambassador Bartoli also met with Indian Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the growing industrial and trade relations, with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, renewables, and agri-tech sectors.
The bilateral relationship between India and Italy is rooted in shared cultural heritage, with diplomatic relations dating back to 1947. In 2023, both countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Over the years, their leadership has maintained regular and fruitful exchanges. During Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to India for the C20 summit, Italy became part of the ambitious India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), further boosting economic collaboration.
Jaishankar concluded the meeting by wishing Ambassador Antonio Bartoli the best for his tenure in India, signaling the continued strengthening of the India-Italy partnership in various strategic and economic sectors.
