The Indian Consul to quiBrescia.it: “Our countries are allies in economy and culture”

Milan. Building social ties and development, embracing integration, and showcasing the value of one’s own culture. In recent days, quiBrescia.it visited the Indian Consulate in Milan to better understand the goals of a community that is rapidly growing in the Brescia area (consider the acquisition of Iveco by the Tata Group) and throughout northern Italy, where it now counts over 100,000 residents.

“India and Italy have much to offer each other,” Consul General Lavanya Kumar told us, “and we must thank our governments, which have built positive relations and given us a clear vision.”

QUESTION. Let’s talk about it…
ANSWER. Let’s start with the economic aspect: today trade is worth around 14 billion. By 2029 it will reach 20 billion. But in my view, this is very limiting.

Q. In what sense? Twenty billion doesn’t seem small…
A. For what India and Italy represent, it certainly is. This is only a first step, but our potential is enormous. Manufacturing is obviously the most involved sector. But I’m thinking of engineering, research on innovation and development, robotics and aerospace, defense and agri‑food. The fields in which we can collaborate are truly vast and significant.

Q. Relations with Europe are also good.
A. Absolutely. And imagine when the free‑trade agreement between India and the EU becomes effective. Without tariffs, India becomes one of the most important markets for European companies. But there is another factor that more and more Italian businesses are beginning to understand…

Q. Tell us.
A. India has numerous free‑trade agreements with other countries. When companies invest in India, they gain the opportunity to expand their business into Southeast Asia, Japan, Africa, and Australia. This is a major opportunity that should not be missed.

Q. India and Italy don’t only share business…
A. Absolutely not. India has landscapes ranging from the sea to high mountains, cities with thousands of years of history, and unique regional dishes. It is a wonderful country to visit.

Q. And Italy, in this sense, is also a special place…
A. Certainly. As a consulate, we are working so that as many Indian students as possible can have an experience in Italy. As everyone knows, your country is unique, and one can visit cities that do not exist anywhere else in the world, with extraordinary beauty.

Q. Let’s talk about integration. Has the Indian community had any problems?
A. Our community has never had problems. Indians in Lombardy work, live in the territory, and are respected by everyone. No one has ever complained. Fortunately.

Q. Truly, you wouldn’t want anything different?
A. Actually, there is something I would like…
Q. And what is that?
A. I would like English to be spoken a bit more in Italy. Many Indian tourists come here every year, and it would be helpful. Even though the younger generations have improved a lot.

Q. You’re right. Returning to Indian migrants, if you allow a small criticism, communities living in the territory are often a bit closed, and it can be difficult to understand customs and traditions.
A. I won’t hide that this is an issue we are addressing. The initiative on the Indian film festival, produced with Italian subtitles, goes exactly in that direction. Indian migrants must be able to share and explain their traditions. There is a lot of curiosity.

On this topic, Shri Atul Chauhan, Consul for Student Affairs, also intervened, stating: “We have asked local communities to invite Italian citizens and officials to our festivals or religious functions. They must become moments of shared joy and a calling card for Indian culture.”

Q. Since we are talking about local communities, does the recent acquisition of Iveco — which has a major plant in Brescia and another important one in Suzzara, in the province of Mantua — change the perception of our territory?
A. Obviously, we do not deal with business matters, but it is undoubtedly a very important acquisition for the Tata Group, which has decided to invest significantly in commercial vehicles for Europe. As you noticed, the acquisition was not hostile; in fact, Italian managers were chosen to run the company, and significant guarantees were provided. It is a structural investment, meant to stay. Another way of showcasing our culture.