Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have underscored the urgency of implementing a migration and mobility agreement between their countries during their recent meeting at the G7 Summit in Italy. The agreement aims to facilitate easier movement of professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, students, and researchers between Bharat and Italy. This initiative marks an influential step in enhancing bilateral ties, as discussions on the agreement have been ongoing for some time.
Prime Minister Modi traveled to the Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit, marking his first overseas visit since beginning his third consecutive term in office. The invitation extended by Prime Minister Meloni reflects the growing cooperation between the two countries on various global issues, including mobility and migration.
Had a very good meeting with PM @GiorgiaMeloni. Thanked her for inviting India to be a part of the G7 Summit and for the wonderful arrangements. We discussed ways to further cement India-Italy relations in areas like commerce, energy, defence, telecom and more. Our nations will… pic.twitter.com/PAe6sdNRO9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2024
The Bharatiya government, under PM Modi’s leadership, has approved the signing and ratification of the Migration and Mobility Agreement with Italy. This agreement is expected to strengthen people-to-people contacts and foster greater mobility of students, skilled workers, business professionals, and young entrepreneurs between both countries.
As per the agreement, Bharatiya students completing academic or vocational training in Italy may receive temporary residence for up to 12 months to gain professional experience. In addition, Italy has reserved quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal Bharatiya workers, highlighting its commitment to facilitating employment opportunities for Bharatiya nationals in various sectors.
The Migration and Mobility Agreement was officially signed on November 2, 2023, by Bharat’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. The agreement not only aims to facilitate legal migration but also formalizes cooperation between the two nations in addressing issues related to irregular migration.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the growing global interest in Bharatiya skills and talent, particularly in developed countries facing demographic shortages. He highlighted that the era of a knowledge economy has led to increased demand for skilled professionals, making mobility agreements like the one with Italy strategically important for both countries.
The implementation of the Migration and Mobility Agreement is expected to have significant economic benefits for both India and Italy. It will promote greater collaboration in education, research, technology exchange, and business ventures, further deepening the bilateral relationship. The agreement also reflects Bharat’s emerging role as a key player in the global talent pool, contributing to economic growth and innovation in partner countries.
As both nations move forward with the agreement, stakeholders anticipate increased opportunities for cultural exchange, innovation partnerships, and economic growth driven by the mobility of skilled professionals and students. This initiative aligns with Bharat’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with European nations and enhance its global presence in various strategic sectors.
The Migration and Mobility Agreement between Bharat and Italy represents a crucial development in bilateral relations, aimed at facilitating smoother mobility for a diverse range of individuals and enhancing cooperation on migration-related challenges. The successful implementation of this agreement is expected to pave the way for similar initiatives with other countries seeking to harness Bharat’s talent and skills in the global marketplace.
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