Italy and India’s shared interests and challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean region

Source: The post Italy and India’s shared interests and challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean region has been created, based on the article “Why Italy matters to India” published in “The Hindu” on 4th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Italy and India’s shared interests and challenges in the Indo-Mediterranean region. It highlights their growing defence cooperation, naval presence, joint efforts in trade and security, and people-to-people ties, emphasizing partnerships for regional stability and prosperity.

For detailed information on India and Italy relations read Article 1, Article 2

What are Italy and India’s common interests in the Indo-Mediterranean region?

1. Italy and India share interests in ensuring security and prosperity in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
2. This area is vital for global trade and digital connectivity, with the upcoming Blue-Raman submarine data cables connecting Genoa and Mumbai.
3. Both countries face challenges such as piracy in the Red Sea, regional conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on trade.

How has Italy increased its security and naval presence?

1. Italy has strengthened its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia. It is the second largest contributor to EU missions like EU NAVFOR Atalanta and EMASoH.
2. Italy joined the Information Fusion Centre in India in 2023, and Italian naval ships, including the ITS Francesco Morosini and ITS Cavour, have visited Indian ports.
3. Italy is also leading the EU’s military operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, which began in 2024, to safeguard navigation in key waters like the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

What are the key aspects of defence ties between Italy and India?

1. Defence Agreement (2023): Signed in October 2023, this agreement expands cooperation in research, industrial collaboration, maritime awareness, and environmental military activities.
2. Regular Defence Talks: The Italy-India Military Cooperation Group met in March 2023, fostering stronger collaboration.
3. Industrial Partnerships: Italian companies, like Fincantieri and Leonardo (ranked among SIPRI’s top 50 arms producers), are working with Indian companies, supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Fincantieri has cooperated with Cochin Shipyard since 2020.
4. Joint Ventures: Elettronica signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Electronics Limited in 2019.

How are both countries cooperating in the Indian Ocean Region and Africa?

1. Italy and India promote Africa’s role in global platforms, supporting the African Union’s inclusion in the G20.
2. Italy launched the Mattei Plan in January 2024, mobilizing €5.5 billion in public investments. It aims to build partnerships in African countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique, all of which are adjacent to the Indo-Mediterranean region.
3. Italy also supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which focuses on railways, ports, and logistics.
4. Amid conflicts in Gaza and rising tensions in West Asia, Italy views IMEC as a long-term project that can ensure shared prosperity between Europe, West Asia, and India, benefiting the entire region economically.

How are people-to-people ties between Italy and India significant?

Italy hosts the second largest Indian diaspora in the European Union. The strong people-to-people ties between the two countries are rooted in ancient cultural exchanges and continue to grow through modern economic, cultural, and educational interactions.

Question for practice:

Examine how Italy and India are enhancing their defence cooperation and naval presence in the Indo-Mediterranean region.