Why Italy matters to India
- In the context of a world facing multiple crises, Italy and India share common interests and face joint challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean Sea region, a crucial area for global trade and digital connectivity. Italy, as the world's sixth-largest exporter, views this region as vital for ensuring free and open maritime routes and fostering economic and security cooperation.
Key Strategic Interests in the Indo-Mediterranean:
- The region’s significance for global trade is underscored by the Blue-Raman submarine data cables, which are set to connect Genoa and Mumbai, enhancing digital connectivity between Europe and Asia.
- However, the region is also fraught with challenges such as piracy in the Red Sea, conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and disruptions caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which threaten the stability of agricultural and oil trade.
Italy’s Enhanced Naval and Security Commitments:
- To safeguard its interests, Italy has increased its commitment to security and defence in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia. Italy is a key participant in several regional maritime security operations:
- EU NAVFOR Atalanta: Counter-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa.
- EMASoH: Enhancing maritime awareness in the Strait of Hormuz.
- EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: A new EU military operation to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Gulf, where Italy plays a leading role since February 2024.
Growing Italy-India Naval Collaboration:
- Italy’s naval presence in India has increased notably, symbolized by visits of key naval assets such as the ITS Francesco Morosini and the Carrier Strike Group, including the ITS Cavour and ITS Alpino.
- This growing naval cooperation includes PASSEX exercises to strengthen interoperability between the two navies and other collaborative efforts in defence industry cooperation.
- Italy also plans to organize an ‘Italy village’ in Mumbai this year, showcasing Italian cultural, fashion, and culinary elements, along with conferences and exhibitions, further cementing bilateral ties.
Defence Cooperation: A Pillar of Partnership:
- The bilateral Italy-India defence cooperation has deepened following the signing of a defence agreement in October 2023. This lays the groundwork for expanded collaboration across various sectors, including:
- Research and industrial cooperation.
- Maritime domain awareness.
- Environmental issues related to military activities.
- Key Italian defence companies, such as Leonardo and Fincantieri, have actively sought joint ventures with Indian counterparts, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ strategy. Notably, Fincantieri has been working with Cochin Shipyard since 2020, reflecting Italy's commitment to support India's growing defence manufacturing sector.
Shared Interests in Africa and West Asia:
- Beyond the Indian Ocean, Italy and India share a vision for Africa’s development. Both countries championed the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and have initiated projects to support Africa’s economic growth.
- Italy’s Mattei Plan, launched during the Italy-Africa Summit in January 2024, mobilizes over €5.5 billion in investments across East Africa, targeting countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique.
People-to-People Ties and Cultural Exchange:
- Beyond trade and security, people-to-people ties form the backbone of Italy-India relations. With Italy hosting the second-largest Indian diaspora in the EU, these cultural exchanges deepen historical connections between the two civilizations.
Conclusion
- The Italy-India partnership is set to grow stronger in the Indo-Mediterranean region through collaborative efforts in security, defence, and economic projects.
- As both nations navigate the complexities of the modern world, their shared values and common goals in ensuring regional stability, economic prosperity, and digital connectivity will be critical to fostering a long-term strategic alliance.