External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome, Italy, and praised the historical ties between India and Italy. He noted that the two maritime nations offer a unique perspective to global affairs.
Jaishankar emphasized that much of India’s historical connections with Europe have been with Italy.
“Our historical ties are very deep, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that a significant part of India’s historical interaction with Europe was with Italy. For centuries, Italy served as a key entry and exit point for goods exchanged with India. Italians have been producers, customers, financiers, and carriers in our commerce. As maritime nations, we share a perspective that sets us apart in the world,” he said.
The foreign minister highlighted that the new Chancery will enhance the Embassy’s ability to serve the Indian community in Italy.
Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar remarked that the new facility reflects the growing India-Italy partnership and strengthens services for the Indian diaspora.
“Pleased to inaugurate the new Chancery of the Embassy of India in Rome today. It befits the continued expansion of the India-Italy partnership in recent years. It will also help us serve the Indian community in Italy better,” he wrote.
Jaishankar added that shared commitments to freedom of navigation and maritime security further strengthen ties between the two nations.
“I recall Prime Minister Meloni, during the Raisina Dialogue, describing the Mediterranean Sea as a bridge connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Indian Ocean. Our shared maritime interests and commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation bring us closer. We are coordinating in areas such as the Gulf of Aden and responding to shipping challenges. Most importantly, we are leveraging our history to build a modern relationship,” he stated.
On the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the external affairs minister described it as a “game-changer.”
“India and Italy are founding members of the India-Middle East-Europe connectivity corridor, along with other like-minded nations. This initiative, agreed upon in principle during India’s G20 presidency in 2023, will be transformative. One day, we will look back on this as a pivotal moment,” he said.
Jaishankar also underscored that frequent interactions between Indian and Italian leaders reflect the depth and breadth of their relations. “Frequent interactions at various levels signify the strong relationship between our nations. This reflects the vision and commitment of our leaders in addressing global and regional issues while advancing bilateral ties,” he added.
Jaishankar appreciated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for its focus on Asia and specifically on India.
“India’s growing engagement with Europe, especially with Italy as an influential European and Mediterranean nation, is mutually reinforcing. Prime Minister Meloni’s government’s Indo-Mediterranean approach and focus on India strengthen our partnership. We regard Italy as a key partner in Europe and the Mediterranean,” he said.
The minister is on an official visit to Italy from November 24 to 26. He was welcomed in Rome by India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, and other officials from the Foreign Ministry.
As part of his schedule, Jaishankar will visit Fiuggi, Italy, to represent India at the Outreach session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He will also attend the 10th MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome, hosted by the Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
(With agency inputs)