India-Italy Relations [UPSC Notes]

Bilateral relations of India with other countries are important aspects of India’s foreign relations. In the UPSC exam, many questions can be asked based on this topic for the IAS prelims as well as the IAS mains exam. In this article, we discuss India’s bilateral relations with the European country of Italy. You can also download the PDF of these notes at the end of the page.

India – Italy Relations

India and Italy have shared a long and fruitful history of diplomatic and trade relations. 

• The relationship between the two countries dates back to ancient times when Indian spices and textiles were traded with Rome. 
• In the modern era, the relationship between India and Italy was cemented during the Indian freedom struggle, when Italian leaders expressed their solidarity with India’s struggle for independence. 
• In 1947, when India gained independence, the two countries established formal diplomatic relations.

Historical Background:

• The relationship between India and Italy can be traced back to the 3rd century BC when the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to different parts of the world, including Italy. 
• The ties between the two countries grew stronger during the Renaissance period when Italian artists and scholars were fascinated by Indian culture and philosophy. 
• The Italian traveller Marco Polo also wrote extensively about his travels to India in the 13th century.

Various Aspects of India – Italy Relations

Trade Relations:

• Trade relations between India and Italy have been robust. Italy is one of India’s most important trading partners in the European Union, with the bilateral trade between the two countries standing at around $9 billion in 2020. 
• Italy is also one of the largest investors in India, with over 600 Italian companies currently operating in India, providing employment to thousands of people.

Cultural Relations:

• The cultural ties between India and Italy are also strong. 
• Italian art and architecture have long inspired Indian artists and architects, while Indian culture and philosophy have influenced Italian scholars and thinkers. 
• The two countries have also collaborated on various cultural exchange programs, including film festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts.

Political Relations:

• India and Italy have also maintained strong political ties. 
• The two countries have supported each other on various international issues, including climate change, UN reforms, and counter-terrorism. 
• Italy has also supported India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
• The two countries have also signed various bilateral agreements in the fields of science and technology, defense, and agriculture. 
• In 2021, India and Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Renewable Energy.

Strategic Connection between Italy and India:

• Italy and India have a strategic connection, with both countries playing a crucial role in the Global South. 
• Italy is at the core of the “enlarged” Mediterranean, strongly interconnected with the Indo-Pacific, while India represents an ideal bridge between the Global South and Western countries. 
• The priorities of the Indian G20 presidency are in strong continuity with the Italian presidency of 2021, from debt relief for developing countries to the reform of international financial institutions, health, finance, and climate change.

Challenges in India – Italy Relations

• Despite the strong relationship between India and Italy, there have been some challenges in the past. 
• One of the major challenges has been the issue of the two Italian marines who were arrested by Indian authorities in 2012 for killing two Indian fishermen. 
• The issue was resolved in 2021 when the marines were allowed to return to Italy after being granted bail by the Indian Supreme Court.

Conclusion:

• India and Italy have a long and strong history of diplomatic, cultural, and trade relations. 
• The two countries have collaborated on various international issues and have signed numerous bilateral agreements in different fields. 
• Although there have been some challenges in the past, the relationship between the two countries has remained strong and is poised to grow even stronger in the future.

India-Italy Relations:- Download PDF Here