New Delhi, June 15 (ANI): India and Italy can significantly expand trilateral cooperation in Africa through an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub for Sustainable Development, along with initiatives in precision agriculture, water management, health, and education, according to Antonio Bartoli, Italy's Ambassador to India.
Ambassador Highlights Collaboration Opportunities
Speaking exclusively to ANI on the sidelines of the 16th Mindmine Summit 2026, Bartoli emphasized the potential for joint efforts in Africa. "We should collaborate also more and more together in Africa, because India is a flag bearer of the Global South. We have an ambitious programme spanning from artificial intelligence to precision agriculture, water management, health, education, so we can do more and more things together," he said.
Trilateral AI Agreement Signed
Bartoli noted that India and Italy have already taken concrete steps toward cooperation in Africa, with AI identified as a key area. He revealed that Italy established an AI Hub for Sustainable Development for Africa and signed a trilateral agreement with India and Kenya. "Italian supercomputers can provide an opportunity for more and more use cases in order to benefit Africa," he explained.
Growing Strategic Convergence
The ambassador underlined the deepening strategic partnership between India and Italy amid global uncertainty. "We discussed about uncertain times and confident choices. I think it's a very appropriate title because there is no doubt that we navigate uncertain times. But it's also true that we have to be confident in the future and in partnerships between, for example, Europe and India and Italy and India, a partnership that is becoming stronger and stronger," he stated.
High-Level Engagements Boost Ties
Recent high-level visits have enhanced collaboration across science and technology, mobility, defence, and critical minerals. "We had the pleasure to receive the Prime Minister recently and to deepen and strengthen the collaboration in many sectors," Bartoli said, referring to the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Italy.
Natural Partners in Democracy
Bartoli described India and Italy as natural partners, both being democracies that support connectivity, resilient supply chains, and a rules-based international order. "To create more resilient and stronger value chains and to cherish and safeguard the values that put us together, democracy and rule of law and a rule-based order," he added.
IMEC and Other Areas of Cooperation
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was highlighted as a key convergence area. "IMEC is a great vision," Bartoli remarked. He also pointed to potential collaboration in manufacturing, machinery, auto components, food, and energy transition, noting Italy's industrial strength can support India's manufacturing goals.
AI as a Pillar of Future Cooperation
AI was identified as an important pillar for future ties, both in advancing technology and ensuring human-centric development. "Including artificial intelligence, both in terms of making headway together in technology, but also in ensuring that artificial intelligence remains something at the service of the people and not vice versa. These tools shouldn't become a master," he said.
Digital Infrastructure Investments
The envoy welcomed India's growing investments in digital infrastructure, including data centres, and called for greater collaboration in building digital infrastructure for mutual benefit between India and Europe.
