As Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Italy for the last leg of his visit to five nations, Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao expressed optimism that the visit would provide an opportunity to set
the roadmap for the future of ties between the two nations.
PM Modi set foot in Rome
late Tuesday evening, May 19, ahead of his scheduled bilateral discussions with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni.Speaking to CNN-News18, Vani Rao said, “The Prime Minister is coming here on his first bilateral visit. For us, it’s always an occasion to not only review the bilateral cooperation at the highest level but also to be a little more aspirational about where the relationship should go in future.”
She emphasised India and Italy would explore new areas of cooperation, adding there would be good dialogue between the leaders of the two nations.
“Of course, we’re expecting that there would be a good dialogue between the leaders, which would increase the strategic convergences as well as decisions about new areas of cooperation and perhaps some announcements”, she told CNN-News18.
When asked whether the great rapport between PM Modi and his counterpart Meloni would bring substantial gains for New Delhi, Vani Rao said, “The great rapport between the two leaders is instrumental here; it opens doors. It sends a signal across the two ecosystems that the relationship is very important for the two countries. It is also happening in the context of India’s increasing engagement with Europe in general and also the Mediterranean.”
“And if you’ve seen in the last few years, Italy is looking more at the Indo-Pacific for engagement. In that region, it gives a lot of importance to India. Likewise, India’s engagement with the Mediterranean has increased”, she said.
When asked whether Rome could be a bridgehead for India to the European Nation (EU) and to the Mediterranean, Rao highlighted what she described as convergence of value between the two countries, which she said is the foundation for a stronger bilateral ties.
“I’m saying that there’s convergence of values with Italy. There’s convergence of foreign policy and strategic priorities, which is the foundation for a more elevated relationship and Italy being one of the most significant members of G7 and G20 and also a strategic hub in itself in the Mediterranean”, she said in a conversation with CNN-News18.
Italy’s Support For India In EU, Mediterranean
Speaking on Italy’s backing for India in the EU and the Mediterranean, Rao noted the Italians had been “very helpful” in some of the multilateral platforms.
“We have been working together in some of these multilateral platforms and Italians have been very helpful to us. In the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), when there’s convergence of values and interests, we’re always working together on global platforms and it is not limited to bilateral cooperation”, Rao said.
“You are aware that Italy has joined several India-led initiatives in the Indo-Pacific — CDRI, ISA”, she added.
On War In West Asia
Vani Rao also shed light on the current geopolitical situation and how the India-Italy alliance could play an influential role in resolving the conflict.
“The geopolitical situation has led to many countries taking a re-look at their larger priorities, whether it is maritime security or looking for reliable trade partners, strengthening their supply chains, or looking at global peace and security”, she said.
Hailing India as a reliable partner of Italy, Rao acknowledged every nation remains on the lookout for trade alternatives and strengthened ties.
“I think these are larger conversations the leaders would have. And obviously, everybody is looking for finding alternatives and reliable partners and that’s where India fits in”, she told CNN-News18.
