India, Italy to launch maritime security format, anti-terror finance task force
Bartoli, speaking at the 80th Anniversary Celebrations of the Italian Republic, said both countries will soon launch a format on maritime security that promotes freedom of navigation.
Also Read: India, Italy seek to expand trade, defense ties despite headwinds from Iran
“We have just launched a special task force to combat financing of terrorism. We will soon launch a format on maritime security that promotes freedom of navigation in our seas, and this is because connectivity remains the cornerstone of our ties,” he said.
Highlighting cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), he added, “I was mentioning IMEC, and we also signed an MoU on ports collaboration, and we want to create digital networks, fast-track corridors.”
The ambassador also underlined the potential for industrial cooperation between the two countries.
“We all know that India is the fastest growing economy in the world and wants to expand its manufacturing base. Italy is the second largest manufacturing hub in Europe and we can combine India’s scale, speed and talent with Italy’s technological know-how and industrial excellence,” he added.Also Read: Italy, India set to improve relations during PM Modi’s visit to Rome
Earlier, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy on May 20 has led to major initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural, educational, defense and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Speaking at a special media briefing on the Prime Minister’s visit to Italy, George said that Prime Minister Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that 2027 will be celebrated as the Year of Culture between India and Italy.
“To further strengthen cultural relations and promote two-way tourism, both leaders announced that 2027 will be celebrated as the Year of Culture between India and Italy,” George said. he said.
He also said that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to cooperate in the development of Italy’s National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat, while both countries are also working on a twinning program between UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and Italy.
George also said that the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to facilitate the mobility of nurses from India to Italy was among the main outcomes of the visit.
