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New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Enrico Bartoli on Wednesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to developing India’s maritime sector and described his vision as “strong, clear and transformative”.
Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, the envoy said that since 2016, Prime Minister Modi has consistently positioned India as a major player in the global maritime industry.
“In the last decade, India has witnessed a remarkable transformation. The development of new ports, expansion of coastal trade activities and strengthening of logistics networks have made the transport system more efficient and reliable,” he said.
Bartoli said better rail connectivity to industrial hubs such as steel, fertilizer and mining sectors has enhanced India’s trade potential and cargo movement, attracting global confidence and attention.
“The Prime Minister’s vision for 2047 aims to establish India as a global maritime hub through technological innovation and economic growth. These initiatives reflect India’s journey towards self-reliance and sustainable maritime development,” he said.
Praising Modi’s leadership, the Italian Ambassador said, “PM Modi has a great vision and he displays it in every field. The vision is made up of objectives and precise benchmarks, and while encouraging India to reach those benchmarks, he also achieves results.”
Calling India a “peninsula in the Indian Ocean”, Bartoli said it was natural for the country to exploit its geographical advantage and emerge as a maritime power. He said, “Making India one of the top five global shipbuilding countries by 2047 is very understandable and feasible. We are interested in collaborating with India in this sector, bringing our expertise to support this endeavour.”
On India-Italy relations, Bartoli said there is an “ocean of opportunities” in the maritime sector as the two countries have established a strategic partnership. “Our Prime Ministers have identified ten areas of cooperation, one of which is connectivity – the vision is the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC),” he said.
–IANS
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