As Italy looks to deepen its engagement with India across trade, investment, technology and culture, Kolkata is emerging as an important part of that conversation. During his visit to the city, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli, who attended a reception dinner hosted by Consul General of Italy in Kolkata Giuliano Fragnito, highlighted the growing scope for bilateral cooperation. From strengthening business ties and building reliable supply chains to promoting tourism and cultural exchange, Bartoli underlined the need to build on the two countries’ Special Strategic Partnership, with Kolkata’s economic potential and rich cultural heritage offering opportunities to take the relationship forward.
With 2027 marking the Year of Culture and Tourism between our two countries, we look forward to exploring opportunities to further strengthen these ties and build lasting bridges between our people – Sundeep Bhutoria Having arrived in Kolkata, I immediately realised that this is not only a charming and historic city, but also one with high-calibre interlocutors across the cultural sector and business community.
Italy- India ties: Trade, technology and culture in focus Highlighting the growing scope of India-Italy cooperation, Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India, said Kolkata was poised to play a more prominent role in strengthening business and investment ties. “We want to increase the trade volume,” he said, pointing to the target of reaching $20 billion in bilateral trade by 2039 and noting that the proposed Free Trade Agreement would help facilitate this ambition. He also stressed the importance of building “stronger, more reliable supply chains together”. “It’s an amazing experience,” he said, adding that the restoration of the city’s heritage could create more venues for cultural events and attract visitors.
Emphasising the need to build on the countries’ Special Strategic Partnership, he outlined key areas of collaboration, including trade, defence, space, clean energy, connectivity, professional mobility, science and technology. Beyond economic cooperation, Bartoli highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people connections through education, tourism and heritage. With India and Italy set to celebrate a year dedicated to culture and tourism, he noted that Kolkata’s Durga Puja offered an extraordinary cultural experience. Underscoring the ambition behind the initiative, he added that the two sides would work on a calendar of events and count on local support to make it a success. >It was a pleasure meeting Ambassador Antonio Bartoli at the reception hosted by the Consul General of Italy in Kolkata. India and Italy share a deep appreciation for art, culture and heritage, offering immense opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and collaboration. I feel fortunate to have arrived here at the right time. In my first month, through my meetings with many of you, I have sensed a new energy and growing expectations around the prospects of further strengthening ties between West Bengal and Italy, particularly in business and cultural exchanges – Giuliano Fragnito You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.