In a bid to fortify their bilateral relations, senior officials from India and Italy convened for the 2nd bilateral Consular Dialogue in New Delhi, where they delved into discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation on a multitude of fronts.
The dialogue, which took place on Friday, saw representatives from both nations engaging in constructive conversations concerning a range of issues including expediting visa processes, facilitating the mobility of students and professionals, ensuring safe and legal migration, as well as safeguarding vulnerable women and children, and facilitating smooth travel for their respective nationals.
A press release from the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the robust people-to-people ties and collaborative efforts that underpin the relationship between India and Italy across consular matters, reaffirming mutual trust and cooperation.
Led by Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV&OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian delegation comprised Joint Secretary CPV K J Srinivasa, along with officials from various divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs, as well as other ministries and agencies.
On the other side, the Italian delegation, led by Luigi Maria Vignali, Director General for Migratory Policies and Italians Abroad, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, included the Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo de Luca.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation, agreeing to convene the next Consular Dialogue in Rome at a mutually convenient date.
The dialogue comes on the heels of significant strides in bilateral relations, as noted by Former Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, who highlighted the fruitful outcomes of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to India. During this visit, crucial steps were taken to elevate the ties between the two nations, indicating a positive trajectory in their relationship.
Moreover, Terzi’s meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue further underscored the commitment to deepening cooperation between India and Italy. Discussions during the meeting revolved around various areas including updates on initiatives like IMEC, connectivity, AI, and the upcoming Italian @G7, reflecting the multifaceted nature of their partnership.
The ongoing dialogue and engagements between India and Italy signify a shared commitment to fostering stronger ties and exploring avenues for collaborative growth and development.