On Tuesday, Italy's Ambassador to India, Antonio Bartoli, highlighted the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, stating that both India and Italy are on the same page and are working to hold a dialogue to stop the war as soon as possible.
Speaking to IANS, Bartoli said that it was important for the conflict in West Asia to end soon to ensure the regularity and stability of energy resources at reasonable prices.
"Italy and India share the same priorities in this conflict: to encourage the parties to de-escalate and engage in diplomatic dialogue to bring about a peaceful resolution. Secondly, we are taking care of thousands of Italian citizens in the Gulf region and abroad. For example, around 1,500 tourists were stranded in the Maldives. Therefore, we are not only talking about the conflict itself. Thirdly, it is important to resolve this situation as quickly as possible to ensure the stability and affordability of energy. We do not want to see oil prices above $100 per barrel, and we are working towards that," Bartoli told IANS.
Oil prices declined sharply on Tuesday, trading below $90 per barrel after US President Donald Trump predicted that the Middle East conflict could end soon. Trump also cautioned Iran against disrupting global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.
Bartoli said that India is gaining more influence in the international arena as a stable and wise actor in all circumstances. He also mentioned a recent telephone conversation between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, during which they discussed the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
"India is becoming increasingly influential on the international stage, not only for its economy and demographics, but also for its role as a stable and wise actor. We believe that India is a reliable and friendly partner, not only for integrated value chains, but also for geopolitical cooperation. It's not a coincidence that yesterday evening our two foreign ministers exchanged notes on this crisis in the Middle East."
He added that the conflict in West Asia has a significant impact on the domestic market, consumers, and transportation costs, insurance premiums, and other products.
"The impact is felt on the domestic market, consumers, higher prices, transportation costs, higher insurance premiums, and increased prices for everything. This is not good for the economy or for general peace. We hope that this conflict can be resolved as soon as possible, and that trade and the economy can continue to thrive. We are very confident in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Europe and India, which will boost trade and investment," Bartoli said.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia began after the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, which led to Iran launching drone and missile attacks targeting US assets, regional capitals, and allied forces in West Asia.
Bartoli emphasized that it is an honor for Italy to be designated as a partner country for the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food and Hospitality Fair. He expressed Italy's willingness to collaborate with India in food production.
"It's a great honor because it's the first time that such an important and prestigious fair has a partner country, and it's very meaningful to us that the first partner country is Italy. I believe it's not a coincidence because, apart from being a great producer, Italy also has a strong reputation in the food industry. I am happy to remind your public that in December, UNESCO decided to include Italian cuisine on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
"Therefore, Italian cuisine is a patrimony of humanity. But, I think that the two things are important. First, just as in India, food is also a reflection of a country's culture, history, and geography. Second, that food production is not only about food itself, but also about the entire industry, including machinery, sustainable packaging, and logistics. Therefore, Italy is ready and eager to collaborate with India in food production, both in India and for the global market," he added.
The 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food and Hospitality Fair is being organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from March 10-14. AAHAR is one of Asia's best-known brands in the food and hospitality industry.
