The Ambassador of Made in Italy in the World is engaged in a world tour that brought it, for the first time in its 93-year history, to Mumbai, India, where it stopped from November 28 to December 2, 2024.

During its stay in Mumbai, the Amerigo Vespucci was accompanied by Villaggio Italia, the international Made in Italy exposition that gathers together the "national teams of Italian excellence", so that the world tour of Nave Amerigo Vespucci is a unified expression of the values of the entire Italian nation and a showcase of Italian excellence and supply chains, a driving force for the economy and the diffusion of Italian culture.

The Amerigo Vespucci embarked on its first visit to Mumbai, India, from November 28 to December 2, 2024, as part of its global tour to showcase "Made in Italy" excellence.

Crucially, the conference deliberated on the Blue and Space Economy with immense possibilities for Italian companies to collaborate and jointly work together with Indian defence and space entities. The cooperation puts forth the working mechanism together with the Italian Space Agency and Telespazio/e-GEOS of the Leonardo group, which also showcased the space cooperation with satellites of the Italian constellation of the ASI and the Ministry of Defence, COSMO-SkyMed. This will provide an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of satellite technologies to Earth observation, said Minister Urso.

During the talks, Minister Urso highlights the IMEC-- the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor and International Cooperation

Excerpts:

Manish Jha: To begin with, I'd like to get a comprehensive understanding of the scope of our bilateral relations. Our bilateral trade has reached approximately $15 billion, but could you provide an overview of the current status and the potential areas for growth in our trade and economic relationship?

Adolfo Urso: Certainly. This mission to India follows the recent signing of a strategic trade agreement between Prime Minister Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the G20 Summit in Brazil just two weeks ago. The objective is clear: we are moving beyond simple trade, which has already been growing, to a deeper partnership. This includes scientific, industrial, productive, and technological collaboration.

The Villaggio Italia exposition accompanied the ship, uniting Italian cultural and economic strengths, showcasing supply chains, and driving international appreciation for Italian innovation.

Additionally, this is a key moment to expand Indian investments in Italy, where over 130 Indian companies are already operating. Italy can serve as a production hub for Indian companies targeting the European market. Similarly, Italian companies can contribute to India's growing domestic market and nearby markets. India is emerging as a major global manufacturing base, and this mission lays the groundwork for strengthening our cooperation.

Manish Jha: Thank you for explaining that. Regarding investments, I understand that from 2000 to 2023, Italian investments in India amounted to around $3 billion. What are the potential sectors for Italian companies to invest in India? Also, which Indian sectors or companies could explore opportunities in Italy?

Adolfo Urso: Italian investments in India are likely to focus on the manufacturing sector, including machine tools, agricultural equipment, automation, and machine learning. Italian companies can also contribute to improving the quality and design of automobiles in India. Another significant area is shipbuilding, where Italy has a legacy of design and expertise.

Italian Minister Adolfo Urso highlighted the strategic trade agreement signed between India and Italy at the G20 Summit in Brazil, aimed at deepening ties in scientific, industrial, and technological domains.

On the other hand, Indian investments in Italy could target renewable technologies, mining, smelting, rail manufacturing, and aerospace. The blue economy and food processing are also promising areas for collaboration. Indian companies can benefit from Italy's advanced technology and production systems.

Manish Jha: That's very insightful. Does your government provide any specific incentives or policies to encourage Indian companies to invest in Italy?

Adolfo Urso: Yes, over the last two years, Italy has simplified and fast-tracked authorisation procedures for foreign investments. Every foreign investor has access to a dedicated ministerial point of contact to assist with any procedural requirements. Additionally, resources and support are offered within the framework of European Union norms and regional policies. We also have initiatives like the "Development Contract" to support investors.

Manish Jha: Shipbuilding is a sector where India is ambitious. Could Italian companies with expertise in this area consider setting up partnerships with Indian firms? Are there policies to encourage such collaborations?

Adolfo Urso: Definitely. Italian shipbuilding companies, including those with public-private models, are keen on expanding their collaborations in India. These companies can explore partnerships for both commercial and military shipbuilding projects, leveraging local investments and production facilities. This sector holds great potential for cooperation.

"Italy is collaborating with India to develop biofuel technologies and support their implementation"

Manish Jha: You also mentioned defence and aerospace earlier. Could you elaborate on the scope for collaboration in these areas?

Adolfo Urso: India has proven its capabilities in aerospace, as seen with its recent moon mission. In this sector, we see opportunities for collaboration in Earth observation technologies and other areas critical to global development. In defence, Italian companies like Leonardo are already involved in India, and we aim to expand this partnership further.

Manish Jha: Energy and biofuels are important for India's sustainable development goals. What plans do you see for collaboration in these areas?

Adolfo Urso: We strongly believe in the future of biofuels and the broader bioeconomy, which focuses on the efficient use of natural resources for sustainable growth. Italy is collaborating with India to develop biofuel technologies and support their implementation. This is crucial for the global shift toward renewable energy.

"Cooperation between India and Italy is key to ensuring secure supply chains and stability in the global order"

Manish Jha: Finally, let's touch upon international cooperation and the rule of law in maritime areas. How does Italy plan to work with India on these issues?

Adolfo Urso: The world is facing complex challenges, but countries that share common values must work together to uphold international laws, including maritime law. Cooperation between India and Italy is key to ensuring secure supply chains and stability in the global order. India is not only a close partner for Italy but also a reliable ally for Asia, the Americas, and the world.

Manish Jha: Thank you, Minister Urso, for your insights and time.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.