07.02.2025: Italian Ambassador meets Maharashtra Governor
Italian Ambassador meets Maharashtra Governor
Italy keen to enhance cooperation in trade, universities, research, culture, and startups: Ambassador Antonio Bartoli
India and Italy share very strong political relations today, and Italy is keen to further enhance academic and research collaborations at the university level, as well as promote cultural ties, tourism, and the teaching of the Italian language in India. This was stated by the Ambassador of Italy to India, H.E. Antonio Enrico Bartoli, during a meeting held here today.
Ambassador Antonio Bartoli called on the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, on Friday (7th), during which he made these remarks.
The Ambassador noted that the Prime Ministers of India and Italy share a close relationship at the political level. He added that India and Italy are already cooperating in diverse fields such as science and technology, transportation, innovation and startups, space science, defense, security and cybersecurity, tourism, and cinema.
He informed that the Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Italy will be visiting India in April, accompanied by a large trade and industry delegation. During this visit, discussions will be held with major companies and startups from Maharashtra in areas such as smart agriculture, green technology, biofuels, and solid waste management.
Mentioning that Italy recycles 85% of its waste, the Ambassador said that his country is willing to share its expertise and collaborate with India in this field. He expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in the startup ecosystem and mentioned plans to engage in discussions with IIT Bombay regarding this.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Governor said there is ample scope for cooperation between the two countries in the textile industry as well. To promote trade relations, he said he would discuss the matter with the state’s Industries Minister and organize a meeting at Raj Bhavan with leading industrialists and members of various Chambers of Commerce.
The Governor also said he would recommend the establishment of Italian language centers in state universities. Furthermore, he expressed personal commitment to facilitating direct air connectivity between Mumbai and cities in Italy once the Navi Mumbai International Airport becomes operational.
Consul General of Italy in Mumbai Walter Ferrara and Deputy Consul Luigi Cascone were present.