For Prelims: India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement, European Union, Location of Italy, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Global Biofuel Alliance, Blue-Raman project
For Mains: Areas of Cooperation Between India and Italy
Recently, the Union Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval to the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy.
What is Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy?
| About | – The agreement is set to strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration while bolstering people-to-people ties between India and Italy. – It facilitates mobility for various segments, including students, skilled workers, businesspersons, and young professionals, fostering exchange and collaboration. |
| Key Provisions | Temporary Residence for Indian Students: Graduates seeking professional exposure in Italy post-academic or vocational training can secure temporary residency for up to 12 months. Reserved Quotas for Workers: The agreement outlines quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers, with a reserved quota range over the years 2023-2025 under the existing Flows Decree. The Italian government’s annual “Flow Decree” (Decreto Flussi) sets the maximum number of non-EU citizens who can enter Italy for work and self-employment. |
| Implementation | The agreement will remain in force for 5 years, with automatic renewal unless terminated. A Joint Working Group (JWG) will oversee its implementation, convening periodically to evaluate progress and propose supportive measures for effective execution. |
What are the Other Areas of Cooperation Between India and Italy?
| Historical Ties: | India and Italy are ancient civilizations but young states. Italian port cities were important trading posts on the spice route. The Venetian merchant Marco Polo, during his travels to the east, also traveled to India in the 13th century and wrote about his experiences. |
| Political | Political relations between India and Italy were established in 1947. In March 2023, India and Italy elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. |
| Economic | The bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at USD 14.25 billion in 2022-23. Italy is among India’s top 5 trading partners in the European Union. Main items of Indian exports to Italy are ready-made garments, leather, iron ore, motor vehicles, textiles, chemicals, gems & jewelry. The main items of import from Italy are general and special purpose machinery, machine tools, metallurgical products, and engineering items. |
| Security | The India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) is a forum established to boost defense cooperation between the both countries. |
| Other Initiatives Involving India and Italy: | India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Global Biofuel Alliance Blue-Raman project |