External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome on Nov.24, and stressed on the deep historical ties and growing partnership between India and Italy.
Highlighting the unique maritime perspective shared by the two nations, Jaishankar called Italy a pivotal part of India’s historical interactions with Europe.
“Our historical ties are very deep, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that a significant part of India’s historical interaction with Europe was with Italy. For centuries, Italy served as a key entry and exit point for goods exchanged with India. Italians have been producers, customers, financiers, and carriers in our commerce,” he said during the ceremony.
The minister underscored the importance of the new Chancery in enhancing services for the Indian diaspora in Italy. “It befits the continued expansion of the India-Italy partnership in recent years. It will also help us serve the Indian community in Italy better,” Jaishankar wrote on social media platform X, reflecting on the growing bilateral ties.
Jaishankar highlighted shared maritime interests as a cornerstone of the relationship, citing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s description of the Mediterranean as a bridge connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. He pointed out coordinated efforts in areas like the Gulf of Aden and broader commitments to freedom of navigation and maritime security.
“Our shared maritime interests and commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation bring us closer. We are leveraging our history to build a modern relationship,” he said.
On the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an initiative launched during India’s G20 presidency in 2023, Jaishankar described it as a “game-changer.” “This initiative will be transformative. One day, we will look back on this as a pivotal moment,” he remarked.
Jaishankar praised the Indo-Mediterranean focus of Prime Minister Meloni’s government, stating, “India’s growing engagement with Europe, especially with Italy as an influential European and Mediterranean nation, is mutually reinforcing. We regard Italy as a key partner in Europe and the Mediterranean.”
Frequent high-level engagements between Indian and Italian leaders reflect the strength of bilateral ties, Jaishankar added, noting their shared vision in addressing global and regional challenges.
Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Italy from Nov.24 to 26, was received in Rome by India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, and senior officials from the Italian Foreign Ministry.
During his visit, the minister will travel to Fiuggi to represent India at the Outreach session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He will also attend the 10th MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome, hosted by the Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
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