ROME: Silvia Costantini, Joint Secretary in charge of South Asia in Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shares her optimism about the future trajectory of India-Italy relations.
India-Italy relations are deepening and diversifying in new areas, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the European country in June this year. In an interview with Manish Chand at her office in Rome, Ms Silvia Costantini, Joint Secretary in charge of South Asia in Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shares her optimism about the future trajectory of India-Italy relations and outlines new avenues for enhanced cooperation in the bilateral sphere as well as in multilateral groupings. Excerpts:
Q: How do you view the future trajectory of India-Italy relations? In which areas can we expect significant progress?
A: The future looks bright for India-Italy relations. We are focusing on upgrading India-Italy Strategic Partnership, which has been in place since March 2, 2023. It is now time to develop a “joint roadmap action plan” to ensure we achieve the deliverables set by the leaders of India and Italy at their meeting on the margins of the G7 summit in Apulia. We can expect more two-way visits to further strengthen our bilateral relations at all levels. There are numerous sectors of cooperation such as defence and energy transition. Our ministries recently signed a Letter of Intent focusing on green energy, biofuels, and green hydrogen. In essence, we are looking to deepen and expand our relationship comprehensively.
Q: The strategic connection between India and Italy, especially in the Indo-Pacific, is deepening. How do you view this strategic convergence?
A: As we increasingly discuss the Indo-Mediterranean or Indo-Pacific-Mediterranean connections, it becomes clear that the Mediterranean and the Pacific are pivotal from our perspective. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) serves as an excellent bridge to further strengthen the relationship between Asia (India) and Europe (Italy). India and Italy represent the starting and finishing points of this strong link.
The Indo-Pacific is also one of the priorities of our G7 presidency. We are keen to share with India our perspective of open and free maritime navigation for all ships. Ensuring freedom of navigation and peace in this area is a key principle for us.
Q: Speaking of freedom of navigation, does Italy have concerns over China’s activities in the South China Sea?
A: The whole world is watching these developments. Freedom of navigation is one of the fundamental pillars of international relations and international law, which underpins our relationships among all member states of the international community. This is not just a concern for one country; it is truly an international concern. We must ensure that all seas and oceans remain free for navigation according to international law. All oceans should be free for all.
Q: Italy was the first European country to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) but later opted out. How do you view the connectivity cooperation between India and Italy?
A: Connectivity seems to be the mantra we must continue to follow—connectivity in all forms: people-to-people, infrastructure, digital. It should be our foremost priority in a world that is increasingly mobile and interconnected; we need it more than ever. Looking forward, we must aim to further strengthen connectivity. In the geopolitical arena, India and Italy can play a strong role together.
Q: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited China. How do you manage relations with the two countries (India and China) that are not particularly friendly towards each other?
A: International relations and diplomacy entail cultivating relationships with various friends and partners across the global arena. It’s not about choosing one over the other; rather, it’s about fostering multiple relationships within the international community and among its member states. Each bilateral relationship that Italy maintains is unique and distinct from the others. Why? Because each interlocutor is unique. Italy engages with different interlocutors across the board. For example, the Piano Mattei (for Africa) emphasises Italian bilateral and collective relations with all African states. Thus, it’s not about pitting one country against another in Italian foreign relations. The same approach applies to Asia, as well as to both North and Latin America.
Q: How does Italy view India’s ascent and emergence as a global power?
A: I’m delighted to see India’s progress unfold so positively. During my time in Delhi from 2011 to 2015, I witnessed the seeds of India’s rise being sown. It’s beneficial for India to assume its rightful role within the international community—economically, and in terms of values, especially as a democracy. I eagerly anticipate India’s increased presence globally.
As a G7 member, Italy can collaborate closely with India, and as G20 partners, there are ample opportunities to enhance our relationship further. I recall conversations with Indian friends in the Foreign Service, where we likened India’s role in Asia to what Italy represents in Europe. Perhaps, Italy can be seen as India in Asia, and reciprocally, India as Italy in Europe.
Q: Most Indians are familiar with Italy primarily as a tourist destination famous for pizza, pasta, and its vibrant culture. How do you foresee enhancing popular contact, people-to-people interactions, and cultural exchanges?
A: We are actively advancing in this area, which lies at the heart of our Migration and Mobility Agreement. This agreement aims to strengthen people-to-people connections, facilitating more Indians to come to Italy and vice versa. These exchanges are crucial as Indians who know Italy become excellent ambassadors of Italian culture in India, and vice versa. I eagerly anticipate further enhancing these exchanges. Regarding tourism, India boasts an array of incredible destinations beyond the iconic Taj Mahal. Having travelled across India, I’ve witnessed first-hand the astounding diversity and beauty of the subcontinent. Similarly, beyond Italy’s renowned cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, regions like Apulia showcase the diverse offerings each of Italy’s 20 Regions provides. We have great potential to expand tourism and foster deeper people-to-people connections.
Manish Chand is CEO, Centre for Global India Insights, a think tank focused on global affairs and Editor-in-Chief, India Writes Network & India and the World.