Historical Context
The political relationship between Malta and India has its roots in the colonial era, predating the independence of both nations. When the British took control of Malta in 1800, many Maltese found themselves transported to India, often as part of military or service personnel. This movement led to a significant Maltese presence in India, with several Maltese individuals buried in various Indian graveyards as testament to their contributions and sacrifices. Additionally, Maltese Catholic missionaries followed soldiers to India, resulting in a cultural exchange that began to shape the rapport between the two nations.
In 1878, during its colonial rule, the British Indian government dispatched approximately 7,000 Indian troops to Malta, which further solidified the military and cultural connections between the two regions. The arrival of Maltese Catholic missionaries in India, particularly in 1924, helped deepen these ties. Father Anton Debono became the first Jesuit missionary to establish a presence among the Santhal tribes in Dumka, Jharkhand. Since then, over 73 Maltese Catholic priests have dedicated their lives to serving in this area, fostering a lasting connection between Malta and the indigenous Santal people, who are among the largest Scheduled Tribes in India.
World War Contributions
The interplay between Malta and India was further highlighted during the world wars. Malta served as a crucial medical hub during World War I for treating wounded soldiers, which included Indian troops fighting for the British. Memorials at Pietà Military Cemetery pay homage to 28 Indian soldiers who passed away in Malta. Additionally, several Indians were cremated at Lazzaretto Cemetery on Manoel Island, reflecting Malta’s role in the larger narrative of the Indian contribution to the British war efforts.
In World War II, Malta continued to play a strategic role, acting as a transit point for Indian troops moving to and from the Atlantic. The military cooperation during these tumultuous periods not only forged personal relationships but also laid the groundwork for future diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic Relations
India was among the first nations to recognize Malta's independence in 1964, marking the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1965. The re-establishment of the High Commission of India in Malta in 2018, following an earlier closure, symbolized a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Malta opened its High Commission in New Delhi in 2007, further illustrating the importance both nations place on their relationship.
The countries adhere to a United Nations trade agreement that obliges them to convene annually. These meetings focus on a variety of matters, including economic, industrial, scientific, and technological cooperation. The commitment to engage in these dialogues underscores the mutual interest in strengthening their partnership and addressing shared goals.
Cultural Ties
Emphasis on cultural exchange remains a hallmark of Malta-India relations. As guided by the United Nations treaty, both nations are keen to celebrate each other’s cultural heritage while promoting collaboration in the arts and educational exchanges. This focus on culture not only fosters people-to-people connections but also enhances understanding and respect for their diverse customs and traditions, reaffirming the importance of cultural diplomacy in today's global landscape.
Historical Ties and Migration
The historical connection between India and Malta is notable, with early links tracing back to the Roman Empire, long before the reign of Emperor Augustus. In the 16th century, Malta's renowned figures made their mark in India during the prosperous era of Emperor Akbar, when India stood as a leading global economy. This period marked a significant cultural exchange as Maltese traders, soldiers, and missionaries started to establish their presence in India. With the onset of British rule in Malta around 1800, many Maltese ventured to India, effectively becoming part of a mass exodus driven by economic and social factors. During this time, some Maltese individuals took part in military engagements against Indian freedom fighters, while others pursued religious and philanthropic efforts, establishing missions primarily aimed at spreading Catholicism.
The arrival of Maltese Catholic missionaries in India began in earnest during the 1920s. In 1924, a group settled among the Santhal tribes in Dumka, located in the Jharkhand state of India, with the intention of converting the local population to Catholicism. Since then, seventy-three Maltese priests have served in India, with a few remaining in the country today. However, the recent implementation of stricter visa regulations has created obstacles for new Maltese missionaries intending to work in India, reflecting a significant shift in the landscape of religious work and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Community and Trade Relations
Despite the longstanding Maltese presence in India, the number of Maltese individuals residing in India remained largely undocumented, in contrast to the approximately 200 non-resident Indians living in Malta as of 2007. In Malta, a prominent community of around 45 Sindhi Indian families has created a niche as small traders, their roots tracing back to migrations initiated during British colonial rule around 1887. While these Sindhi traders integrated into Maltese society, attracting people from other parts of India remained quite limited, underlining a unique demographic situation.
During the era when both countries were under British rule, Malta served as a crucial trading hub facilitating the export of silk and handicrafts from India to various regions, including the Mediterranean and South America. This trade relationship is a testament to the long-standing economic interdependence between India and Malta, with trade exchanges well documented even during historical periods like the Roman Empire. However, post-independence immigration laws in Malta proved restrictive, resulting in no significant migration from India between 1952 and 1985, underscoring the changing dynamics in bilateral relations.
Cultural Challenges
The Sindhi community in Malta, locally recognized as l-Indjani, has maintained strong cultural ties, celebrating Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Onam privately. Despite these cultural continuities, Hinduism faces considerable challenges in Malta. The predominantly Catholic Maltese society does not recognize Hinduism as an official religion, often relegating it to the status of a cult. This lack of formal recognition manifests in practical ways, such as the absence of Hindu temples on the island and the burial of Hindu deceased instead of the traditional cremation, a practice that has sparked discontent among Hindus globally.
The complexities of the Malta-India relationship reflect a rich tapestry of history, migration, and cultural exchange, intertwined with modern challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Both nations continue to navigate their ties through ongoing trade relations and vibrant diaspora communities, despite facing historic and contemporary hurdles. As India and Malta move forward, the potential for renewed engagement exists, offering avenues for further cultural, economic, and spiritual exchanges.
Economic Relations
India and Malta share a rich economic history that dates back to ancient times, with Indian merchants actively engaged in trade in the region as early as the era of Persian Emperor Cyrus (600–530 BCE). Initially, this economic interaction was conducted overland, but over the centuries, it transitioned to maritime routes, enhancing trade ties between the two regions. Currently, the Maltese government is keen on fostering deeper economic collaboration by encouraging Indian firms to establish their operations within Malta. To facilitate this, Malta has introduced a range of incentives aimed at attracting Indian businesses, reflecting its commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations.
To further solidify these ties, Malta has signed a bilateral trade agreement with India, primarily focused on the avoidance of double taxation. This agreement is significant not only in promoting trade and investment but also in providing a secure environment for businesses to operate. India, being the world's fifth largest industrial producer and the second largest buyer's market following China, presents a significant opportunity for Maltese and European trade missions. These missions are active in fostering relations, as they recognize the potential benefits of closer economic ties with India.
Indian businesses have already made a substantial mark in Malta, with an estimated 112 firms investing between €60 million to €100 million in various sectors. Leading the charge are prominent firms such as Aurobindo and Torrent Pharmaceuticals, which have together contributed around €50 million to €60 million in investment. This influx of Indian investment has not only bolstered the Maltese economy but also generated hundreds of local jobs, thereby enhancing employment opportunities for the Maltese workforce. In 2022, the economic exchange between the two nations reflected significant trade activity, with India exporting goods valued at €251.63 million to Malta while importing items worth €25.75 million. This robust trade relationship highlights the importance of continued collaboration between India and Malta, paving the way for enhancing mutual economic interests.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
The relationship between India and Malta has seen a series of important high-level visits that have laid the foundation for strong diplomatic and bilateral ties. The first significant contact was established when Maltese Prime Minister George Borg Olivier made a historic visit to India in November 1969. This landmark trip marked the first visit by a Maltese prime minister after Malta gained independence on 21 September 1964 and after the two countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1965. Following this, Maltese Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami visited India in 1989, further strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The exchange of presidential visits has also been critical in fostering ties between India and Malta. Notable among these were Indian President Ramaswamy Venkataraman's visit to Malta in 1990 and Maltese President Ċensu Tabone's trip to India in 1992. In March 2005, Malta’s Foreign Minister Michael Frendo's six-day visit to India highlighted Malta's intent to engage with India on various fronts, embracing a spirit of collaboration that has continued to develop over the years.
The 2010s proved to be a particularly active period for diplomatic interactions. In November 2013, Maltese Foreign Minister George Vella met with Indian Minister Salman Khurshid during the Asia-Europe Meeting held in New Delhi, signaling a commitment to ongoing dialogue. Malta’s engagement in sustainable development was further underscored in February 2015 when Leo Brincat, the Minister for Sustainable Development, visited India to participate in the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. These visits have allowed for discussions on issues of mutual interest, including economic collaboration and technological advancement.
A significant milestone occurred in January 2019 when Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat visited India to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Their discussions focused on enhancing Indian investments in Malta, particularly in the IT and pharmaceutical sectors, evidencing a keen interest in bolstering economic cooperation. Further cementing ties, in February 2023, Malta's Minister for the Economy, European Funds, and Lands, Silvio Schembri, attended the first Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Europe and India Sustainability Conclave in New Delhi.
The relationship continued to evolve into 2023 with the visit of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Malta, H.E. Christopher Cutajar, to New Delhi for Foreign Office Consultations on 29 September. Later, in October 2023, Maltese Minister for Foreign & European Affairs and Trade, Hon. Ian Borg, undertook a two-day official visit to New Delhi. His discussions with Indian counterparts, including Minister of External Affairs H.E. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture H.E. Meenakshi Lekhi, were instrumental for both nations, accompanied by an engagement with the diplomatic staff at Malta's High Commission in New Delhi, led by High Commissioner H.E. Reuben Gauci.
Looking forward, the diplomatic momentum is set to continue as H.E. Christopher Cutajar is scheduled to return to New Delhi in February 2024 to participate in the 9th Edition of the Raisina Dialogue and the 2nd Edition of the CII Europe and India Sustainability Conclave. These upcoming engagements emphasize the ongoing commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration across multiple sectors and reinforce their bilateral relations on the global stage.
Diplomatic missions
Malta has established a significant diplomatic presence in India, with its High Commission located in Delhi. This mission was inaugurated in 2007, with the official opening ceremony taking place on January 7, 2010. The event featured prominent figures, including Malta's former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Tonio Borg, alongside India's former Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Preneet Kaur. This opening marked a pivotal step in strengthening the diplomatic relations between Malta and India, emphasizing a mutual commitment to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors.
In addition to the High Commission in Delhi, Malta operates several consulates in key Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. These consulates serve as important touchpoints for both Maltese and Indian citizens, facilitating various services ranging from visa processing to cultural exchanges. Through these consulates, Malta aims to promote its interests in India, as well as support and engage with the Indian diaspora living in Malta.
India's diplomatic presence in Malta has also been noteworthy. Initially, India established its High Commission in Malta in 1992, operating until 2002. After a gap of several years, the Indian High Commission was reopened in 2018, signaling renewed interest in fostering bilateral cooperation. The current Indian High Commissioner to Malta is H.E. Mrs. Gloria Gante, who plays a crucial role in advancing India's relations with Malta and in tackling shared global challenges, including economic development and cultural collaboration. The re-establishment of diplomatic ties underscores the importance both nations place on enhancing their dialogue and cooperation on the international stage.
Overall, the diplomatic missions serve as vital conduits for political engagement, economic partnership, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the strong ties that have developed between Malta and India over the years. Such interactions not only reinforce their respective interests but also contribute to broader regional stability and collaboration.