Why Italy matters to India
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims:
Italy-India Defence Cooperation:
- In 2023, Italy and India signed a new defence cooperation agreement, aiming to strengthen ties in fields such as maritime awareness, research, and industrial collaboration, aligning with India’s "Make in India" initiative.
Indo-Mediterranean Security Concerns:
- Piracy in the Red Sea, the conflict in Gaza, and the effects of Russia’s aggression on global trade have pushed Italy and India to deepen collaboration in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
Italy's Naval Commitment:
- Italy has increased its naval presence in the Indian Ocean, highlighted by PASSEX exercises between the two countries, and Italy’s role in EU-led maritime operations like EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
For Mains:
GS II: International Relations – Italy-India Bilateral Ties
Strategic Cooperation in Defence:
- The editorial highlights the evolving Italy-India defence relationship, showcasing Italy’s commitment to the Indo-Mediterranean region through joint naval exercises and defence agreements. This is significant as both nations aim to bolster maritime security in crucial areas, including the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, given Italy’s increasing involvement in the region.
India’s ‘Make in India’ Strategy:
- Italian defence companies like Leonardo and Fincantieri have collaborated with Indian firms such as Cochin Shipyard and Bharat Electronics, promoting co-development and joint ventures. This supports India’s larger push for defence indigenization under the "Make in India" initiative.
GS III: Economic Development – Trade and Investment
People-to-People Relations and Economic Cooperation:
- Italy is home to the second-largest Indian diaspora in the European Union, and this deep cultural connection enhances bilateral trade and investment ties. Additionally, Italy’s role as a major exporter and manufacturing hub in Europe aligns with India’s growing economic aspirations.
Developmental Projects in Africa:
- Italy’s Mattei Plan, mobilizing €5.5 billion for public investments in Africa, resonates with India’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region. Joint initiatives in East Africa reflect a shared commitment to driving economic and social development in the region.
Highlights of the Article:
- Italy-India Defence Agreement (2023): This pact expands cooperation across various defence sectors, aligning with India’s defence production goals.
- Strategic Naval Presence: Italy has increased its military presence in the Indian Ocean, signaling its growing influence in the region’s maritime security.
- Economic Corridor Vision: Italy supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major trade route vital to both nations.
- Diaspora Ties: Italy hosts a significant Indian diaspora, furthering bilateral ties in trade, culture, and education
Context:
The editorial offers an insightful analysis of the evolving Italy-India relationship, particularly in the realms of defence cooperation and economic ties. By expanding their strategic partnerships, both nations are working towards greater security in the Indo-Mediterranean region, aligning with broader geopolitical interests
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1.India and Italy Relation
India and Italy share a long-standing relationship, marked by strong economic ties, strategic cooperation, and people-to-people connections. Both countries have engaged in various sectors such as trade, defense, culture, and technology, with an increasing focus on collaboration in maritime security, industrial partnerships, and multilateral diplomacy
India and Italy have built a robust partnership, with growing cooperation in defense, trade, technology, and people-to-people ties. The evolving collaboration, particularly in areas like maritime security and industrial co-development, signifies a strategic alignment that will likely continue to shape bilateral relations in the futur
2. Naval Ties
- In the current era of multiple global crises, Italy and India find themselves facing both shared interests and mutual challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean region. This area is crucial for international trade, particularly for Italy, which ranks as the sixth-largest exporter worldwide.
- Additionally, the region is essential for digital connectivity, as the Blue-Raman submarine data cables are set to link Genoa with Mumbai. Joint efforts are required to address issues such as piracy in the Red Sea, conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on agricultural and oil trade, ensuring that the Indo-Mediterranean remains open and prosperous.
- Italy has therefore strengthened its role in security and defense across the Indian Ocean and West Asia. Since joining the Group of Friends of UNCLOS in 2021, Italy has become the second-largest contributor to the European Union Naval Force’s Atalanta mission and the European Maritime Awareness initiative in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH).
- Starting in February 2024, Italy has also played a key role in the EU’s EUNAVFOR ASPIDES military operation, aimed at securing freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Gulf.
- Italy has also expanded its naval activities in India. After joining the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region in March 2023, the Italian patrol ship ITS Francesco Morosini docked in Mumbai in August 2023.
- The Italian Carrier Strike Group, including the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier and ITS Alpino frigate, is currently in Goa.
- Additionally, the tall ship ITS Amerigo Vespucci, the training vessel of the Italian Navy, is scheduled to visit Mumbai from November 28 to December 2. Plans are also underway to create an “Italy village” in India, featuring cultural, fashion, and culinary events alongside conferences and exhibitions.
- The ITS Cavour, a short take-off and vertical landing ship built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, has been in service since 2009. Designed for dual purposes, the vessel can project naval power while also providing logistical support and conducting humanitarian and environmental missions.
- During its stay in India, PASSEX training exercises, aimed at enhancing mariner skills and interoperability, will take place. The ITS Cavour will also host a workshop on defense industry collaboration and serve as a hospital where Indian and Italian medical teams will perform surgeries on children with facial deformities under Operation Smile, organized by Italy’s Smile House Foundation
3. Defence Ties
- The defense cooperation between Italy and India is grounded in an agreement signed in October 2023, which sets the stage for expanding collaboration in various areas, including research, industrial cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information sharing, and addressing education and environmental concerns related to military activities. Regular engagements, such as the Italy-India Military Cooperation Group meeting held in March in New Delhi, further strengthen these defense ties.
- In terms of defense production, Italy plays a crucial role for India. Companies like Leonardo and Fincantieri are ranked among the top 50 arms-producing companies globally (as per SIPRI's 2022 report), while others such as Beretta, Elettronica, and KNDS bring specialized technical expertise.
- Italian defense firms have embraced joint ventures, co-production, and joint development in recent years.
- Fincantieri has been working with Cochin Shipyard since 2020, and Elettronica signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Limited in 2019. This cooperative approach aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, catering to the growing needs of the Indian armed forces.
- Italy views India as an important partner in the development of the Indian Ocean Region, stretching from East Africa to the Arabian Sea. Both nations actively promote Africa in global forums and were instrumental in supporting the inclusion of the African Union in the G20.
- At the Italy-Africa Summit in January, Italy unveiled the Mattei Plan, a new initiative aimed at establishing mutually beneficial partnerships for key projects across Africa. This plan mobilizes €5.5 billion in public investment, with support from both public and private sectors.
- Initial projects focus on countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique, all of which are part of the Indo-Mediterranean region. The goal is to collaborate with additional partners to create sustainable projects fostering social and economic development across the continent.
- Additionally, Italy has backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rising tensions in West Asia, IMEC is viewed as part of a broader, long-term strategy for ensuring shared prosperity in the region. The initiative envisions the development of railway connections, ports, logistics, and customs systems, which would contribute to peace-building efforts along this critical trade route, benefiting both Italy and India
4. People to People
Italy holds significant importance as a close ally to India. It is home to the second-largest Indian diaspora within the European Union, reinforcing the strong relationship between the two nations. As a dependable economic and defense partner, Italy ranks as Europe's second-largest manufacturing hub and plays a vital role in maintaining security through its commitments as a member of both the EU and NATO. The enduring connection between India and Italy is deeply rooted in historical interactions between their civilizations, continually renewed through cultural exchanges, integration, and shared business achievements
5. Conclusion
The people-to-people ties between India and Italy are characterized by deep-rooted connections that span various domains, including culture, education, and business. These interactions enrich the relationship between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding and respect. As both countries continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, the vibrant tapestry of their people-to-people ties will undoubtedly grow stronger, contributing to a lasting partnership
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