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India–Malta relations

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Maltese-Indian relations
Map indicating locations of Malta and India

Malta
India

India and Malta maintain diplomatic relations. With the rapid rise of India's economy that now ranks the fifth biggest in the world and rising, Malta opened a High Commission in New Delhi in 2007. [citation needed] The present Maltese High Commissioner in New Delhi is H.E. Stephen Borg. Malta also has Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

In early 2018 India opened a High Commission in Malta at 29 Triq-Galanton Vassallo, St Venera, SVR 1901. The present High Commissioner of India to Malta is H.E.Rajesh Vaishnaw. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Political relations

The political relations between the nations of Malta and India stretch back many years even before the two became independent nations. With the arrival of British to Malta in 1800 AD Maltese were taken to India by the British. Many Maltese dead lie buried in Indian graveyards. Maltese Catholic missionaries followed Maltese soldiers into India. In 1878, the British controlled Indian government dispatched 7000 Indian troops to the island of Malta.[1][2][3]

In 1924 Maltese Catholic Missionaries established themselves among the Santhal tribes in Dumka, Jharkhand, India. Over 73 Maltese Catholic priests have lived in India since 1924. In WWl Malta was used by the British for treating the wounded and for rehabilitating the injured. There are Memorials at Pieta Military Cemetery to twenty eight Indians who fought for the British in World War I and died of wounds or illness in Malta. The bodies of 13 Indian soldiers and seven men of the Indian Labour Corps, who died in Malta, were cremated at the Lazzaretto Cemetery on Manoel Island. Memorials for the Indian dead were built at Pieta Military Cemetery, Triq Id - Duluri, Tal-Pietà, Malta . Entry to Pieta Military Cemetery is by Triq II-Principessa Melita. Some of the Indians who died in Malta are Rifleman Dadrat Gurung, Havildar Jitbhadhur Thapa, Daffadar (Sergeant) Bal Ram, Driver Moti Lal, Driver Jai Ram and Labourer Khew Marak. Throughout World War II, the British used Malta as hub to bring Indian troops to and from the Atlantic.[4] India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Malta in 1964. India established diplomatic relationship with Malta in 1965. A High Commission of India was opened in Malta in 1993 but was later closed in 2002. Malta opened a High Commission in New Delhi in 2007. Malta also has a Consulate in Chennai, Kolkata and in Mumbai. In 2018 India reopened a High Commission at Triq-Galanton Vassallo, St Venera in Malta.[4][5]

Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Edward Fenech Adami visited India in 1989. India and Malta later exchanged presidential visits in 1990 and 1992. The Indian President R. Venkataraman visited Malta in 1990. Maltese President Ċensu Tabone in return visited India in 1992.[6] In March 2005, Maltese Foreign Minister Michael Frendo visited India for a period of six days.[7][8][9] In November 2013 the Maltese Foreign Minister Dr. George Vella met Shri Salman Khurshid, on the side-lines of ASEM meeting in New Delhi. In February 2015 (05-07) Mr. Leo Brincat, Minister for Sustainable Development visited India to participate in the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. In March 2018 Maltese Foreign Minister Mr. Carmelo Abela, visited India from 5–8 March 2018. He was accompanied by senior officials of his Ministry.

According to a United Nations trade agreement, the two nations meet at least once annually to discuss economic, industrial, scientific and technological trade as well as other relationship issues.[10][11] As part of the United Nations treaty both nations decided to establish stronger cultural ties.[12] Added both nations agreed to honour each other's cultural heritage and promote cultural ties in each other's countries.[12]

Diasporas

Main article: Indian Maltese
A plaque at Upper Barraka Gardens in the Maltese capital Valletta in memory of Rinaldo Sceberras, a Maltese Captain who was killed in Battle of Ferozeshah, India on 21st December 1845

A Maltese was living and working in India in the 16th century around the period of Indian Emperor Akbar. India was the leading global economy at that time. With the arrival of British to Malta in 1800, Maltese in India fought alongside British with Indian freedom fighters and Princely states. Maltese Catholic missionaries followed Maltese soldiers into India where some are present to date. There are Memorials at Pieta Military Cemetery to Indians who fought for the British in World War I. The bodies of 13 Indian soldiers and seven men of the Indian Labour Corps, who died in Malta during the war, were cremated at the Lazzaretto Cemetery on Manoel Island. Memorials for the Indian dead were built at Pieta Military Cemetery. Entry to Pieta Military Cemetery is by Triq II-Principessa Melita. Some of the Indians who died in Malta are Rifleman Dadrat Gurung,Havildar Jitbhadhur Thapa, Daffadar (Sergeant) Bal Ram, Driver Moti Lal, Driver Jai Ram and Labourer Khew Marak. In year 2007, there were around 200 Non-Resident Indians living in Malta.[5] The number of Maltese living in India is unknown.

Malta has a well-established small traders community of about 45 Sindhi Indian families, that traces its roots to migration of Sindhi traders starting around 1887 under British colonial rule of Malta. Malta did not attract people from any other part of India although Maltese have a continued presence in India since 1800 AD. On the partition of India by the British in 1947, Sindh was given to Muslim dominated Pakistan thus many Hindus in Sindh province fled and went to whichever country that was willing to take them that included Malta. While both countries were under British rule, Malta served as a convenient trading node for exporting silk and curios from India and Far East to places around the Mediterranean and South America. However following India's independence, and due to strict immigration laws in Malta, not a single Indian is said to have emigrated to Malta between 1952 and 1985. The traders of Indian descent in Malta belong to the Sindhi community and are locally known as l-Indjani ("the Indians").[13] The community maintains Indian traditions in Malta, such as privately organising celebrations of Diwali, Holi[14] Onam[15] and other Hindu festivals. Though once isolated, it is now somewhat integrated into Maltese society and regarded as a local minority. Indians living in Malta keep a low profile in Maltese society. There is religious discrimination in Malta. Hinduism and related religions (Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism) are not recognised as religion in Malta. Religions of Indian origin are officially described as Cults in Malta. There is no Hindu Temples or a temple of religions of Indian origin. A 1st floor flat used as 'Maltese-Indian Community Centre', 'Sukh Sagar', 25 Triq Bella Vista, San Gwann SGN 2690 acts as a Hindu centre. Hindu cremations are prohibited after the British left Malta and Hindu deceased are buried in Malta.

In 1924 AD. Maltese Catholic Missionaries set themselves among the Santhal tribes in Dumka, Jharkhand, India for spread of Catholicism and for conversions. Seventy three Maltese priests have lived in India since 1924 and a few are still there. The mission has been able to achieve over 170,000 Hindu conversions. With the new strict visa rules coming into force in India, Maltese missionaries' entry into India is now very restricted. There are several Maltese residents in India supported by the Maltese Consulate in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata that provide Consular service to them. Maltese firms like Malta Enterprises have a presence in India.[16]

Economic relations

A pair of Indian Maruti Gypsy vehicles in Gozo, Malta.

Indian-made hand loom clothes were sought after by Europe for many centuries. There was a thriving trade in hand loom between Italy and India in the 1st and 2nd century AD as recorded by Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo (135–87 BC) a Roman general and politician. Emperor Augustus (23 September 63 BC to 19 August 14 AD), of Rome received at Antioch an ambassador from a South Indian king called Pandyan of Dramira. There was flourishing trade between Greece and India too. The trade started by Eudoxus of Cyzicus in 130 BCE kept on increasing, and according to Strabo (II.5.12), by the time of Augustus, up to 120 ships were setting sail every year from Myos Hormos in Greece to India.

The Maltese government encourages Indian business firms to set up business in Malta. In order to attract Indian businesses Malta has offered various incentives to Indian companies.[17] Malta has also signed a bilateral trade agreement with the Indian government, for the avoidance of double taxation.[18] A global Indian pharmaceutical company Aurobindo Pharma Ltd has invested €16 million and set up a manufacturing plant in Hal Far, Malta that gives employment to hundred of Maltese and helps train Pharmacy students at the University of Malta. India's Aurobindo Pharma is increasing its investment and expanding its facilities in Malta.

Bilateral trade between India and Malta witnessed a phenomenal growth. During the April–November 2012 period, India’s exports to Malta had reached US$265.26 million whereas imports from Malta were US$22.96 million. The main items of India’s exports to Malta are marine products, drugs, pharmaceutical & fine chemicals, inorganic/organic/agro chemicals, manufactures of metals, transport equipment and other commodities. The main items of India’s imports from Malta are pulp and waste paper, metal scraps, organic chemicals, medicinal & pharmaceutical products, electronic goods.

In April 2014, a high level CEOs delegation led by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) visited Malta at the invitation of Malta Enterprise to scout for business opportunities. Most of Indian businessmen were able to establish viable commercial contact. CII and Malta Enterprise also signed a MoU for cooperation. In November 2013 the Maltese Foreign Minister Dr. George Vella met Shri Salman Khurshid, on the side-lines of ASEM meeting in New Delhi. In 5–7 February 2015 Mr. Leo Brincat, Minister for Sustainable Development visited India to participate in the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. Maltese Foreign Minister Mr. Carmelo Abela, visited India from 5–8 March 2018. He was accompanied by senior officials of his Ministry and 26 business delegates led by Trade Malta. Abela invited Indian companies to explore business opportunities and forge partnerships. In February 2018 PM Muscat of Malta met the Indian business community in London. He urged the Indian business community to keep a base in the UK, but co-locate to Malta because of Brexit. Maltese PM Muscat again met with British Indian billionaires and Industrialists including the Hindujas who topped the UK rich list on several occasions. The meeting took place at the House of Lords at the 'Indo European Business Forum' gathering on 2 and 3 November 2018 . Malta PM Muscat later visited India from 18 to 20 January 2019 and met Indian PM Modi. He was accompanied by a large Maltese trade delegation. Malta is seeking Indian trade and financial investment in Malta. Malta has successfully persuaded some of the Indian Bollywood film makers to shoot films in Malta. The last Indian film made in Malta was the 'Thugs of Hindostan' in June 2017. Malta made USD millions from the Indian film industry in the process. Added the most expensive weddings in Malta today are Indian Hindu weddings. Maltese firms have been sponsoring several Indian Hindu weddings worth USD millions. An Indian wedding in October 2017 of Priya with Rishi cost Euro 2 million. Again a good earning for Malta.

Consulate of India, in Santa Venera

With the rapid rise of the Indian economy that rank third in GDP Purchasing Power Parity the Maltese government encourages Indians to set up business in Malta. Several Maltese trade missions often lead by Ministers frequent India. Since 2007 Malta has a large diplomatic presence in India with a Malta High Commission in New Delhi and a Malta Consulate each in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. For trade and Indian investment promotion Malta Enterprises has an office in India . The Maltese efforts are rewarded with Indian global Pharmaceutical giant 'Aurobindo Pharma' build a Euro 16 million plant in Hal Far which employs hundreds of Maltese and helps train Pharmacy students from University of Malta. India's 'Aurobindo Pharma' is expanding its investment and interests in Malta. In November 2017, Malta's Enemalta plc and India's Streamcast Technologies Inc., part of the India's Streamcast Group, signed an agreement for the development of a Euro 75 million global data centre in Marsa, Malta. The aim of the pilot project is to develop a high-end data centre. In order to attract Indian businesses Malta has offered various incentives to Indian companies. Malta has also signed a bilateral trade agreement with the Indian government, for the avoidance of double taxation. India now has a High Commission at Triq-Galanton Vassallo, St Venera.

See also

Bibliography

References

  1. ^ "Indian troops sent to malta: A serious event in English history. Troops at Her Majesty's disposal. How Englishmen are shirking battlefields". New York Times. 1878-05-09. Retrieved 2009-04-23.
  2. ^ Jeffery, Keith (1981). "An English Barrack in the Oriental Seas'? India in the Aftermath of the First World War". Modern Asian Studies. 5 (3): 369–386. doi:10.1017/S0026749X00008635.
  3. ^ Duckers, Peter (2003). The British-Indian Army, 1860-1914. Buckinghamshire, UK: Shire Publications. p. 42. ISBN 0-7478-0550-4.
  4. ^ a b "India-Malta relations" (PDF). Government of Malta. Retrieved 2009-04-23.
  5. ^ a b "Country Brief of Malta" (PDF). Government of India. Retrieved 2009-04-23. [dead link‍]
  6. ^ "Malta's Foreign Minister Michael Frendo arrives". The Press Trust of India. 2005-07-05. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  7. ^ "Ministry of External Affairs (Central Europe Division)" (PDF). India Ministry of External Affairs. March 2007. Retrieved 2009-04-25. [dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Commonwealth Connects to hold international e-partnership summit in India". Commonwealth. 1 March 2007. Archived from the original on 27 June 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  9. ^ "Malta A Doorway For Indian Companies To European Markets: Fm". AsiaPulse News. March 14, 2005. Retrieved 2009-04-25. "Malta has called upon Indian entrepreneurs to set up shop in the Mediterranean island country and use it as an export hub to provide access to the European and North African markets."
  10. ^ "Treaty #31421 India and Malta, Agreement on economic, industrial, scientific and technological cooperation" (PDF) (in English and Hindi). United Nations. Retrieved 2009-04-23.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Malta and India to increase political and trade cooperation". MaltaMedia Online Network. Mar 14, 2005. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  12. ^ a b "Treaty #31422 India and Malta, Cultural Agreement" (PDF). United Nations. December 15, 1992. Retrieved 2009-04-23.[permanent dead link‍]
  13. ^ Falzon, Mark-Anthony (Autumn 2001). "Origins and establishment of the Indian business community in Malta" (PDF). Bank of Valletta Review. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-02-01.
  14. ^ Times of Malta, Holi 2016
  15. ^ TVM - Onam 2017
  16. ^ Amore, Katia (2007). "Malta". In Gropas, Ruby; Triandafyllidou, Anna (eds.). European immigration: a sourcebook. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate. pp. 237–248. ISBN 978-0-7546-4894-9.
  17. ^ "Malta woos Indian investors to set up businesses". The Economic Times. 27 Sep 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  18. ^ "Malta keen on India-EU bilateral trade agreement". MaltaMedia.com. Mar 25, 2007. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
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