An Overview of India – Italy Relations

The diplomatic and trade ties between India and Italy have a rich and enduring history.

• The bond between India and Italy can be traced back to the ancient times when trade relations were established with Rome, dealing in Indian spices and fine textiles.
• The modern foundation of India-Italy relations was laid during India's fight for independence, where Italian leaders voiced their support for India's freedom struggle.
• In 1947, as India achieved independence, formal diplomatic relations were established between India and Italy.

Tracing the Historical Ties:

• The roots of India-Italy relations date back to the 3rd century BC when the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka dispatched Buddhist missionaries to various parts of the globe, including Italy.
• The Renaissance period saw a deepening of these ties as Italian artists and scholars developed a fascination for Indian culture and philosophy.
• The famous Italian explorer Marco Polo documented his extensive travels to India in the 13th century, further strengthening the cultural ties.

Exploring Various Facets of India – Italy Relations

Trade Dynamics:

• India and Italy have always enjoyed strong trade ties. Italy is one of India’s top trading partners in the European Union , with the bilateral trade between the two nations reaching approximately $9 billion in 2020.
• Italy is also a significant investor in India, with over 600 Italian companies currently conducting business in India, creating job opportunities for thousands of Indians.

Cultural Exchanges:

• The cultural relationship between India and Italy is quite robust.
• Italian art and architecture have greatly influenced Indian artists and architects, while Indian culture and philosophy have left a profound impact on Italian thinkers and scholars.
• The two nations have engaged in various cultural exchange programs, which include film festivals, art exhibitions, and musical concerts.

Political Interactions:

• India and Italy have maintained healthy political ties.
• The two nations have offered mutual support on various global issues such as climate change, UN reforms, and counter-terrorism efforts.
• Italy has backed India’s quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council .
• The two nations have signed several bilateral agreements in the fields of science and technology, defence, and agriculture.
• In 2021, India and Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Renewable Energy.

Strategic Connection between Italy and India:

• Italy and India share a strategic connection, both playing a vital role in the Global South.
• Italy, being at the heart of the "enlarged" Mediterranean, has strong ties with the Indo-Pacific region, while India acts as a bridge between the Global South and the Western world.
• The priorities of the Indian G20 presidency align well with the Italian presidency of 2021, covering areas such as debt relief for developing nations, reform of international financial institutions, and climate change.

Challenges in India – Italy Relations

• Despite the strong bond between India and Italy, the relationship has faced several challenges in the past.
• A major issue was the arrest of two Italian marines by Indian authorities in 2012 on charges of killing two Indian fishermen.
• This issue was resolved in 2021 when the marines were allowed to return to Italy after the Indian Supreme Court granted them bail.

Conclusion:

• India and Italy share a rich and enduring history of diplomatic, cultural, and trade ties.
• The two nations have collaborated on various international issues and have signed numerous bilateral agreements in different fields.
• Despite facing some challenges in the past, the relationship between the two nations has remained strong and shows immense potential for future growth.