No country can afford not to have strong relations with India

As India and Malta approach the significant milestone of 60 years of diplomatic relations, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the enduring partnership that has fostered cooperation across diverse fields. Diplomatist Magazine had the privilege of interviewing H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, to explore his perspectives on this milestone, opportunities for collaboration, and Malta’s vision for strengthening bilateral ties.

As India and Malta approach the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, how do you plan to commemorate this milestone? Are there any special events or initiatives you envision to celebrate the shared history and achievements of our two nations?

On 04 April 2024, we celebrated the 59th Anniversary of Malta-India Relations through a Reception at the Ambassador Hotel, in New Delhi. The 59th Anniversary has ushered in the 60th Year of our Relations with India which 60thyear has commenced on 10 March 2024. As your good self knows, India-Malta Relations were established on 10 March 1965, less than 6 months after Malta obtained its Independence on 21 September 1964. The High Commission has to date, already organised a number of talks regarding the theme of Malta – India relations at various places in New Delhi, such as the Indian Council for World Affairs.

I have also personally already given a number of interviews to various media portals about Malta -India Relations and we are also planning a publication which we hope will be a breakthrough. More events, organized by the High Commission of Malta will be taking place in the months to come.

What opportunities does Malta offer for Indian investors, and how is Malta working to attract more investment from India?

Malta is a stable economy whose membership in the European Union provides investors in the country with access to the 27-country-strong EU market. The High Commission of Malta in India is constantly promoting this whilst assisting individual Indian investors by getting them in contact with the relevant authorities and agencies in Malta.

I have to point out that being a small, highly developed country, Malta is currently focussing on investment relating to high tech. Malta is also a film shooting destination having hosted Hollywood Blockbusters such as Gladiator 1 and 2 and Bollywood Blockbusters such as Thugs of Hindostan and Bharat.

The Maltese Government provides tax incentives for such investments. Here I have to mention the success that the Indian Pharmaceutical Investment has had and is currently having in Malta.

Are there any initiatives to promote cultural exchange and tourism between Malta and India?

We have organized a number of cultural events. Recently we have invited a very renowned Maltese Writer to India, Ms Loranne Vella and we have also featured a Maltese Film at the European Union Film Festival in India, about the Maltese struggle for self-government and Independence in the 20th Century. Culture and Tourism go well hand in hand. Malta’s tourism industry is doing extremely well and tourist arrivals from all around the globe, including India, have surged in the post-COVID-19 era. We are now looking more than ever at quality tourism and our promotion, in India and elsewhere is taking that target.

Are there any opportunities for Indian students in Malta, particularly in fields such as maritime studies, medicine, and engineering?

Yes, there are many opportunities, as the mentioned subjects are very much in need in the Maltese Economy. One can also add computer programming, e-gaming, nursing and pharmacy amongst others.

Climate change is a global challenge that both Malta and India are addressing in various ways. What are Malta’s key strategies in combating climate change, and do you see potential for collaboration with India in this area?

Like other small islands, Malta faces the prospect of severe adverse impacts as a result of climate change. Situated as it is in the Mediterranean Basin, Malta is likely to have to cope with grave problems including extreme weather conditions, diminished rainfall, and rising sea water levels.

In 2009, the Government adopted a “National Strategy for Policy and Abatement Measures Relating to the Reduction of Greenhouse Gases” containing mitigation measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and including the implementation of renewable energy sources, electricity efficiency and conservation. Likewise, India launched the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008 to mitigate and adapt to the adverse impact of climate change as a Government of India programme.

From the similar strategies which both countries have, it appears clear that both sides can cooperate on this subject both at bilateral and multilateral levels, especially in long-standing for such as the United Nations and Commonwealth.

Malta is known for being a hub for blockchain and fintech. How is Malta supporting these industries, and are there collaborative opportunities for Indian tech companies and startups?

Malta’s blockchain and Fintech success is underpinned by a modern and comprehensive regulatory environment with the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) playing a pivotal role in overseeing and regulating the financial sector, ensuring that innovation flourishes in a secure and transparent environment. Malta’s fintech sector is remarkably diverse. A broad spectrum of entrepreneurs are spearheading the charge in various subsectors, including blockchain, payment processing, and digital banking. The island’s favourable economic climate and strategic geographical location make it an ideal destination for fintech startups, offering a unique array of opportunities that are hard to come by elsewhere.

As an EU member, how does Malta view India’s role on the global stage, and are there efforts to advocate for closer India-EU ties?

In a recent interview which I had with an Indian portal, I said “No country can afford not to have strong relations with India.” I believe strongly in this. This does not apply only to countries, but also to blocs of countries like the European Union, of which Malta is a proud member. Malta firmly believes in the importance of having an EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which is currently being negotiated. Malta believes that signing the EU-India FTA would, by far, be the best achievement ever reached as far as India-EU ties are concerned.