Italy's Ambassador Outlines Trade Goal of $20 Billion by 2029

Italy's envoy to India, Antonio Bartoli, said on Thursday that India and Italy are advancing rapidly in a partnership focused on tangible results, with a clear roadmap guiding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Bartoli made these remarks during a discussion at the NDTV World Summit, where he took part in a session on 'The West, Rewired: The New Transatlantic Order'. The panel also featured the European Union's ambassador to India, Jean-Eric Paquet, Australia's High Commissioner Philip Green and Germany's ambassador Jasper Wieck.

When questioned about changes in the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership over recent years, Bartoli said that rapport between the two countries' leaders is important and eases the work of diplomats. Still, he cautioned that personal chemistry alone is insufficient without shared national interests.

"This is a results-oriented partnership and we are making unprecedented progress," he said. "Many of our interests match. Connectivity is one example, since both our countries are peninsulas and we want to connect our maritime areas."

Bartoli noted that India wants to build and strengthen its manufacturing base. Italy, he said, is Europe's second-largest industrial power, which opens broad avenues for collaboration.

The two countries have developed a roadmap for cooperation in diverse fields and created a system to oversee its implementation. They have set a target of lifting bilateral trade to 20 billion dollars by 2029, while investment is also expanding.

According to the ambassador, interests in defence, space, energy, security and mobility also align closely. He added that the cooperation is not confined to Italy and is beneficial for both sides in their wider relationship with Europe.

He further said the Prime Ministers of both countries have decided to mark the next year as the Year of Culture and Tourism, a step that will boost contact and mutual understanding among people.