NDTV Exclusive: Italy Envoy Says 'We Are Reliable' As India-EU Eye Trade Pact

With the European Union's (EU) top leadership preparing to visit India as chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations and an India-EU summit on the horizon, efforts are intensifying to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement. Antonio Bartoli, the Italian Ambassador to India, emphasized Italy's reliability as a partner for India in an exclusive interview with NDTV, highlighting the potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to transform the partnership between the two regions.

"In an era of geopolitical turmoil where unpredictability seems to be the only predictable feature, I think that Europe provides many advantages," stated Ambassador Bartoli. He described Europe as a vibrant economy with a rich cultural heritage, similar to India, and positioned Italy as a dependable partner for India.

Ambassador Bartoli referenced the five-year India-Italy strategic roadmap (2025-2029), which aims to enhance cooperation in trade, defense, space, technology, energy, startups, and connectivity corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The roadmap includes a goal to increase trade volume to at least 20 billion euros.

Italy, being Europe's second-largest industrial powerhouse and a leader in advanced machinery, sees its strengths aligning well with India's manufacturing ambitions. Bartoli suggested that Italy could serve as a stable economic bridge for Europe through New Delhi. He noted the importance of developing the relationship in both directions, including tourism.

The India-EU FTA has been under negotiation for a long period, and there is hope for its conclusion. Kevin Kelly, the Irish Ambassador to India, expressed optimism about the FTA, viewing it as a "win-win" situation with transformative economic potential for both sides.

The EU is India's first trading partner, and the agreement has the potential to reshape trade relations.