India, Italy reaffirm commitment to strengthen global non-proliferation efforts

India and Italy in a joint statement on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen global non-proliferation efforts.

Italy congratulated India on its admission to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

Italy also welcomed India's subscription to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) and supported India's intensified engagement with Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, and the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) which strengthens global non-proliferation efforts.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the EU-India Summit held in New Delhi on October 6 this year.

Prime Minister Gentiloni, who arrived yesterday on a two-day visit to India, mentioned that Italy strongly supports a strengthened strategic partnership between India and the European Union (EU).

He emphasized that the EU and India share many common interests and objectives and can work together in addressing global challenges and preserving the rules-based system of international governance.

The two leaders expressed their shared commitment for strengthening the Economic Partnership between India and the EU and noted the on-going efforts of both sides to re-engage actively towards an early resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA).

The two sides also agreed to work bilaterally and with partners in the framework of the United Nations, the G20 and other multilateral fora to address emerging challenges to international security, global economic stability and sustainable development.

Both sides reaffirmed their support to the new United Nations reform agenda on the three reform tracks of peace and security, development and management reform.

The two leaders also called for reforming the bodies and organs of the UN system, including the comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council as well as the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, better aligning the work of its committees with the 2030 Agenda.

They reiterated their commitment to improve the transparency and integrity of the public and private sector through practical international cooperation and technical assistance, and agreed to continue to fully implement the G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan of 2017-18.

Prime Minister Gentiloni called for greater experience sharing between India and Italy in the area of fighting corruption.

The two Prime Ministers underlined the historical importance of this visit to New Delhi, which not only sets a new momentum in the bilateral ties, but also seeks to revitalise on-going engagements between the two countries.

The leaders emphasised the importance of regular high- level contacts to enhance India-Italy co-operation and mutual understanding.

Besides, the two leaders also agreed on the need for a closer partnership between India and Italy based on shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights and territorial integrity of States.

They expressed their shared desire to work together to support a rules-based international system that upholds agreed international norms, global peace and stability, and encourages inclusive growth and sustainable development in all parts of the inter-connected world.

Both leaders welcomed the growing India-Italy convergence on contemporary global issues and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in multilateral forums.

Recalling the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding on Political Cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries, the two sides reaffirmed their intention of holding regular Foreign Minister Consultations.