Strengthening India-Italy ties: Exploring opportunities in agriculture, technology, & healthcare

AMRITSAR: Congress is exploring potential collaborations with Italy, which is home to a significant Indian diaspora, particularly from Punjab. Many Punjabis reside across Italy and are engaged in diverse professions. They have not only achieved personal success but also made valuable contributions to the Italian economy.

Arathi Krishna, in-charge secretary of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) and the Foreign Affairs Department of the All India Congress Committee, informed on Tuesday that she held a meeting with Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to explore innovative pathways for deepening India-Italy relations . The focus is particularly on the vibrant Indian diaspora from Punjab and Karnataka thriving in Italy.

Advocating stronger people-to-people bonds between India and Italy, Arathi expressed enthusiasm and excitement for enhancing collaboration between Italy and the Indian states of Punjab and Karnataka. She emphasised leveraging Bengaluru’s stature as India’s IT and innovation powerhouse—ideally suited to Italy’s focus on advanced technologies—alongside Punjab’s agricultural excellence.

Stating that Punjab is already known as India’s granary, she said Punjab excels in producing wheat, rice, and diverse crops, supported by advanced farming techniques and a robust agricultural framework. She added that Punjab’s know-how in water-efficient irrigation is helpful to Italian farming. Besides, Punjab’s dairy and horticulture sectors yield quality milk, fruits, and vegetables, which can fulfil Italy’s demand for premium produce.

While pointing towards Karnataka’s skilled workforce, particularly its nurses, Arathi, who is also Deputy Chairperson of the NRI Forum, Government of Karnataka, said this workforce could serve as a vital asset to address Italy’s healthcare demands. Karnataka’s nurses are trained in top institutions and excel in patient care, critical care, and specialised medical fields.

She said that the estimated population of Punjabis living in Italy exceeds two lakh, who contribute substantial remittances to Punjab. If further collaborations are pursued, these benefits could multiply significantly and strengthen mutual prosperity for both nations, added she.

Dilbagh Channa, a resident of Mantua, Italy, said there is much enthusiasm among the Indians living in Italy with the possibility of tie-ups and business and investment opportunities after Arathi talked to the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy.

“There is a great potential for partnerships into Punjab’s agricultural strengths and Karnataka’s tech and skilled workforce to benefit both India and Italy. Punjab’s expertise in high-yield crops, advanced farming, and dairy could boost Italy’s sustainable agriculture and food security,” opined Dilbagh, adding that “Karnataka’s IT hub in Bengaluru and its compassionate nurses could meet Italy’s healthcare and technological needs.”