India & Malta discuss trade and investment, maritime cooperation
The just-concluded India visit by Malta’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg provided both sides an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral ties and discuss steps that could give a further impetus to their relationship.
 
Foreign Minister Borg was on an official visit to India from October 6-8, 2023. Accompanied by a delegation of senior Maltese government officials, his visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two nations.
“The first visit to India by Foreign Minister Dr. Ian Borg provided fresh impetus to relations between India and Malta,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Borg engaged in a series of high-level interactions, including a detailed meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on October 6. According to information provided by the MEA, the discussions encompassed a wide array of bilateral relations, spanning trade and investment, maritime cooperation, renewable energy, tourism, culture, and people-to-people ties.
 
Both sides also reviewed relevant global issues, including India-EU Cooperation, the Ukraine crisis, India's G20 Presidency, UN reforms, and India's engagement in the Mediterranean.
 
One notable aspect of Foreign Minister Borg's visit was his meeting with representatives from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). The focus here was on further enhancing economic relations between the two countries, particularly in the financial sector. Currently, 112 Indian companies operate in Malta, with a substantial presence in the pharmaceutical industry. The shared vision to expand these business ties was evident in discussions with CII, and potential avenues for Maltese enterprises to explore the Indian market were also explored.
 
Adding a touch of cultural immersion to his visit, the visiting minister paid visits to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple and the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, showcasing the significance of cultural exchanges in strengthening diplomatic relations.
 
The visit by Foreign Minister Ian Borg marked a crucial milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and Malta. Notably, the discussions between the two nations laid the groundwork for celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year. This visit serves as a testament to the commitment of both nations to foster economic, cultural, and political ties.