Trade wars benefit no one, said Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani who landed in Delhi on Friday for a bilateral visit, stressing the hope that after pausing reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, the US can engage with the European Union for an agreement, and that India and the EU also conclude the BTIA this year. In a written interview to The Hindu, Mr. Tajani admitted that it would be hard to achieve the India-Middle East- Europe Corridor (IMEC)’s potential until there is peace in West Asian countries, but said Italy is keen to promote Trieste port as a hub for the trading route.
How does Italy view the U.S. decisions on tariffs ?
My dream is to see zero tariffs! Tariffs hurt both consumers and businesses alike. We firmly believe in the power of open markets, free and fair competition, and a level playing field for all.
President Trump’s decision to pause his tariffs plan for 90 days is a signal that we want to interpret positively, hoping that it will facilitate negotiations. Trade wars serve no one’s interests, especially when it comes to the vital transatlantic trade relationship. Italy fully supports the European Commissioner Sefcovic’s efforts to initiate a positive dialogue with the US. We are confident that through constructive negotiations, we can find mutually beneficial solutions.
PM Meloni has said that she often gets asked where Italy stands- with Europe or with US. Given that Ms. Meloni even attended US President Trump’s inaugural, is Italy disappointed that the US has not consulted the EU more, leading to many public differences in the past few months, including over Mr. Trump’s claims on Greenland?
Italy, like India, has already built strong ties with the Trump Administration. At the same time, Italy remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting an effective dialogue between Europe and the US on key issues, from security to trade. President Trump is driving a bold agenda both domestically and internationally, which can sometimes cause friction, even with close partners like the EU. However, we have also seen a genuine willingness from Washington to collaborate with Europe. An example is the series of Quint meetings convened by Secretary of State Rubio, which I have praised as a significant step forward.
We must do everything we can to prevent a transatlantic divide. Regarding President Trump’s tariff policies, our approach must be one of constructive engagement, not confrontation, prioritizing open and honest dialogue with Washington. I firmly believe there is room for mutual understanding and greater reciprocity. The transatlantic relationship needs to evolve and find a new equilibrium, and I am optimistic that this process will unlock fresh opportunities for cooperation—opportunities we must be ready to embrace.
During her visit to India in February, EC President Ms. Von Der Leyen and PM Modi set a year-end deadline for the EU-India BTIA to be finalized. How likely is this, given previous delays and in what sectors could India and Italy most benefit from a trading agreement?
We recognize that past negotiations have not always gone as planned, but it is undeniable that the political momentum behind the current talks is stronger than ever. The visit of the entire European Commission to New Delhi last February was a powerful signal of trust and political will directed toward the Indian leadership. The EU is determined to be a key partner to India, and there is broad consensus across Brussels and European capitals on the importance of securing a meaningful agreement. Italy fully supports the Commission’s efforts in these negotiations, eager to see them reach a successful conclusion.
One of the major blocks to the BTIA negotiations has been on India’s tariffs and market access issues for wine and spirits, and agriculture and dairy products. Given that the India-US BTA is being negotiated this year as well, would Italy and EU expect the same terms as those being offered to the US in BTA negotiations?
Every trade relationship is unique and we do not assume that what works for India and the US will automatically benefit the EU as well. In the context of ongoing negotiations, what we seek is the flexibility needed to achieve the mutually beneficial agreement we all aspire to. On our part, we are fully committed to going the extra mile to secure a meaningful and balanced EU-India trade agreement, and we are confident that our counterparts share this same determination.
Can any progress be made on IMEC between India and Italy’s Trieste without peace and stability along the route between UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel’s Haifa Port, countries that have tense ties at present?
Of course, until peace in the Middle East is established, it will be hard to achieve the full potential of the Corridor. Nevertheless, for the Italian Government, this project represents a beacon of hope. It holds the promise of acting as a catalyst for stability across the broader region. It is essential to start shaping a new vision for progress today—one that focuses on strengthening geo-economic and intermodal connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This is why we are offering the port of Trieste as a hub to support the “Cotton Road”. Trieste is a key port in Northeast Italy, a region that leads in our economy and drives growth and innovation.
Our newly appointed Special Envoy will focus on key areas, including the development of vital port, railway, and digital infrastructure, as well as securing the necessary financial support, with a strong emphasis on the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. I plan to organize a Ministerial meeting with all countries part of the Cotton Road with the goal to strengthen further our cooperation!
Do you support the US’s negotiations with Russia on Ukraine?
I look forward to discussing the war in Ukraine with Minister Jaishankar, we appreciate very much the role of India in fostering peace and dialogue in the international arena. We deeply appreciate Washington’s efforts to foster confidence-building measures between the parties, with the ultimate goal of achieving a just and lasting peace. The Black Sea deal and the prisoners exchange were encouraging first steps, facilitated by the US, but much more goodwill is needed, particularly from Moscow. This war must come to an end, and the tragic loss of lives must stop. Achieving this requires a genuine commitment from all sides, along with good-faith negotiations and concrete actions that follow through on the agreements made.
Your visit to India comes a few months after PM Modi and PM Meloni adopted the Joint Strategic Action Plan on the side-lines of the G-20 in Brazil. How much has been done in concrete terms to take it forward since then?
This moment reflects the culmination of a deepening of our bilateral relationship —one that has never been more robust or dynamic. Following the adoption of the Joint Strategic Action Plan, a series of high-level institutional visits have laid the foundation for the ongoing Political Consultations with Minister Jaishankar. Together, we have identified key priority areas for cooperation in the coming years (2025-2029), all brimming with untapped potential. These include energy transition, innovation, connectivity through IMEC, advanced manufacturing, defence, security, renewable energy, tourism, migration and mobility. During my visit, I will inaugurate the representative office of the Italian joint-stock company, which promotes Italian companies’ investments abroad (SIMEST).
Your visit is part of the “political dialogue” pillar, what are the issues you hope to raise in your meetings with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Goyal?
Minister Jaishankar and I will take a comprehensive look at the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29, focusing on immediate priorities while setting the stage for future collaboration at 360 degrees. In addition to strengthening bilateral ties, we will address the most urgent regional and global challenges. In today’s fast-evolving and often turbulent world, the high-level political diaalogue between India and Italy is more crucial than ever.
Building on the Italy-India Business, Science, and Tech Forum, Minister Goyal and I will guide our cooperation across key sectors such as Industry 4.0, energy transition, physical and digital infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies, to name just a few. I will also underscore the growing significance of fashion and sports diplomacy as vital tools for cultural and economic exchange.
DUBAI, UAE: AI startups from across the globe are increasingly choosing the UAE as their base, drawn by the country’s accelerating pace of innovation and growing reputation as a research and talent hub, speakers revealed at Dubai Assembly for AI, part of Dubai AI Week 2025. In a session titled “Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage”, Sachin Dev Duggal, founder and chief wizard of Builder.ai, shared why the startup moved its headquarters to Dubai. “There’s massive demand across the GCC, and the market’s inherent stability makes it the perfect base. The leadership here is incredibly open to building AI-powered platforms, and the legislation reflects that.” He added, “I have a strong sense that the pace of innovation in Dubai is accelerating rapidly. When capital, talent, and R&D support are aligned, the UAE has all the ingredients to become a true global hub for advanced research and breakthrough technologies.” Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, described the country’s Golden Visa programme as a “gamechanger,” adding that the UAE “provides the stability to build a global company–and attract great talent.” Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, reflected on his move to Dubai saying, “I’ve been founding companies for 30 years, and when we moved here, it was a breath of fresh air. People were supportive and open. They said: That’s cool–let’s do it.” In a session titled “Global CAIOs: Early Study Findings by Dubai Future Foundation & IBM”, attendees heard how AI is transforming Dubai’s government entities. Mohammed AlMudharreb,executive director of the Corporate Technical Support Services Sector and CAIO at RTA, said, “Our chatbot has already handled over 23 million conversations. These are the results you get when data, alignment, and execution come together–but we’re still just scratching the surface.” Juma AlGhaith, advisor to the general manager and CAIO at Dubai Customs, stated, “AI isn’t just improving how things work–it’s giving us a chance to rethink and transform them completely.” Mario Nobile, Director-General of the Agency for Digital Italy, emphasised that “coordination, not competition, will define AI leadership.” Presenting findings from a new global survey of 624 Chief AI Officers across 22 countries, Anthony Marshall, Senior Research Director at the IBM Institute for Business Value, said, “Only 25 percent of executives believe their infrastructure is ready for AI at scale. While the average CAIO leads a team of just five people, the expectations placed on them are enormous.” A panel titled ‘Fuelling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai’s Ecosystem’ showcased how Dubai is cultivating a thriving AI startup landscape. Akshat Prakash, CTO and Co-founder of CAMB.AI, said, “Dubai offers a rare combination of cultural diversity, strategic location, and a supportive innovation ecosystem–making it an ideal environment to build a truly global company.” Nuha Hashem, Co-founder of CozmoX AI, highlighted the region’s proactive role in the AI age, noting, “During the dotcom boom, this region lagged in adoption. But with AI, we’re building in real time. Companies here aren’t just catching up–they’re creating world-first solutions, sometimes before the trend even goes global.” She added, “As a female founder in the UAE, I feel empowered. Your vision and your work matter more than your gender–and that’s powerful.” In a fireside chat titled ‘Revolutionising Education Through Metaverse and AI’, Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, compared today’s AI revolution to the early resistance against calculators in schools. “Back then, people weren’t allowed to use calculators in math. Today, the same accusations are being thrown at AI. But just like calculators deepened our understanding, AI will do the same across subjects,” he said. He warned that without accessible infrastructure, AI could widen global inequalities: “Governments once subsidised calculators until solar versions solved the energy issue. But AI requires compute and training data. Without grants and licences, it won’t be equally accessible–and we risk creating a digital divide.”
“Cardinal Zen, a 93-year-old retired bishop, left Hong Kong on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) night after applying at a court to get back his passport,” his secretary told The Associated Press in a text message on Thursday (April 24, 2025.)
Authorities confiscated his passport after his controversial arrest under a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2022.
Cardinal Zen is among the critics in recent years who have said the Vatican’s agreement with Chinese authorities on the appointment of bishops betrays pro-Vatican Chinese Catholics.
He has also criticised Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the official charged with negotiations with Beijing, as a “man of little faith.” Mr. Parolin is considered one of the main contenders to be the next Pope, given his prominence in the Catholic hierarchy.
On Tuesday (April 22, 2025), media reports said Cardinal Zen had issued a critique of the Vatican, questioning why pre-conclave meetings started as early as Tuesday (April 22, 2025). The AP could not independently verify the reports, but Cardinal Zen reposted the reporters’ posts about his statement on his X account.
His secretary said Cardinal Zen would return to Hong Kong after the late Pope’s funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday (April 26, 2025). But she was unsure about his exact return date.
It was not the first time he had to go through the city’s court to leave Hong Kong. In 2023, he went through similar procedures to pay his respects to the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Zen was first arrested in 2022 on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces under the security law. His arrest sent shockwaves through the Catholic community at that time.
While Cardinal Zen has not yet faced national security-related charges, he and five others were fined in 2022 after being found guilty of failing to register a now-defunct fund that aimed to help people arrested in widespread 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. A hearing on his appeal against the conviction is scheduled for December.
Separately, Hong Kong Cardinal Stephen Chow will travel to the Vatican for the conclave, the city’s Catholic Social Communications Office said on Thursday (April 24, 2025.)
In 2023, a Beijing bishop who was installed by China’s state-controlled Catholic church as an archbishop visited Hong Kong at the invitation of Cardinal Chow. It was the first-ever official visit by a Beijing bishop to the city.
Experts at that time said Cardinal Chow’s invitation was a symbolic gesture that could strengthen the fragile ties between China and the Vatican.
Beijing and the Vatican severed diplomatic ties following the Chinese Communist Party’s rise to power and the expulsion of foreign priests. Since the break in ties, Catholics in China have been divided between those who belong to an official, state-sanctioned church and those in an underground church loyal to the Pope.
The Vatican recognises members of both as Catholics but claims the exclusive right to choose bishops.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has sharply condemned what it calls a “shameful and deliberate erasure” by major Western media outlets in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were executed in cold blood by terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front—a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy backed by Pakistan. “Let’s get this straight,” said Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, in a scathing rebuke of international media coverage following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam. “Terrorists from the Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, took credit for storming a meadow in Pahalgam and murdering at least 26 tourists, seeking out Hindus with chilling precision, in the worst civilian massacre in Kashmir since 2008.” According to Shukla, the headlines should have written themselves: Hindus massacred in Kashmir by Islamists in a terror attack claimed by a Pakistan-backed group. But instead, Western media outlets like The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, BBC, Reuters, and AP delivered “another masterclass in whitewashing, gaslighting, false equivalencies, and revisionist history.” “Across the board, you’ll see patronising sneer quotes around ‘terror attack’ and sanitised references to the killers as militants,” she said. “Some even have the gall to call them rebels. For the record: a rebel fights authority, a militant targets the state, and a terrorist deliberately targets and kills civilians to spread fear for ideological or religious aims.” Shukla citing survivor accounts to highlight the ideological nature of the killings. “Terrorists demanded victims identify their religion—forcing them to show IDs or recite the Kalma—and murdered them if they were Hindu. They deliberately spared their wives and children to report the message of hate.” What especially enraged Shukla was the BBC’s description of the victims as “non-Muslims.” “The intent here is as clear as it is old: target, murder, and terrorise Hindus for an ideological and religious war. Please spare us the neutral terms and erasure.” For Shukla, the Pahalgam massacre fits into a broader pattern of anti-Hindu violence in Kashmir—one that media outlets routinely downplay or ignore. “Attacks on Hindus in Kashmir by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists are neither rare nor random,” she said, referencing the ethnic cleansing of over 350,000 Kashmiri Pandits in the late ’80s and ’90s and the deaths of Hindu pilgrims at sites like Amarnath and Vaishno Devi since 2000. Shukla also pointed out the legal discrimination Kashmiri Hindus faced before Article 370 was revoked in 2019. “Before then, indigenous Hindu Pandits—already ethnically cleansed—were legally barred from reclaiming property. Kashmiri women couldn’t pass property to their children if they married outsiders. Indians from outside the region couldn’t settle there. And yet AP and Reuters describe those seeking to return as ‘outsiders’? Would they call a Californian moving to Pennsylvania an immigrant?” Citing the operational ties between Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front, she reminded audiences that this was not rogue violence. “Pakistan’s intelligence agency bankrolls, trains and directs them. TRF’s Falcon Squad is trained in L.E.T. camps in Pakistan. Their propaganda machine runs on L.E.T. networks—all to push Islamabad’s anti-Indian, anti-Hindu agenda.” Shukla pointed out in a final indictment, “Legacy media’s whitewashing and spin don’t just insult the victims. It enables the very forces behind these atrocities. If you can’t call out terror for what it is, maybe you shouldn’t be reporting on it at all.” Global Reactions International condemnation poured in after the April 22, 2025, massacre in Pahalgam, where 26 Hindu tourists were executed by terrorists from The Resistance Front. Leaders across the globe strongly denounced the attack, with many expressing solidarity with India and the victims’ families. US President Donald Trump called the incident “an act of savage hatred” and declared, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi, and the people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.” US Vice President JD Vance, who was in India at the time of the attack, issued a somber statement describing the massacre as “an unspeakable atrocity.” He added that the terrorists’ deliberate targeting of Hindus was “a reminder that religious persecution remains one of the gravest threats to global peace.” From Capitol Hill, members of the Congressional Hindu Caucus condemned both the attack and the lack of clarity in international media reporting. Representative Tulsi Kapoor stated, “This isn’t just a terror attack—it’s an anti-Hindu hate crime. The world must call it by its name.” The House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority took direct aim at Western media coverage, particularly The New York Times, saying: “Hey, @nytimes, we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK, plain and simple. Whether it’s India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM, the NYT is removed from reality.” In an unexpected move, even the Taliban condemned the killings. A spokesperson called the attack on civilians “un-Islamic” and said that deliberately targeting innocent tourists based on religion was “not permissible under any circumstance.” Around the world, leaders echoed similar sentiments. French President Emmanuel Macron labelled it a “heinous act of terror.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the killings as “an attack on humanity.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it a “cowardly act,” while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, “Terrorism that targets faith has no place in our world.” Leaders from China, Australia, Nepal, and the European Union also issued statements condemning the massacre, with many affirming their commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation with India. India’s Response In India, the attack has triggered both national mourning and geopolitical consequences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the massacre as “a crime against humanity” and vowed a “strong and measured response.” The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan’s envoy and suspended cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty—India’s most significant diplomatic weapon against Islamabad short of war. Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an emergency security review and pledged to intensify counter-terror operations in Kashmir. Read: Must-read stories from TOI A Trail of Horror: Eyewitness Accounts The attack in the picturesque meadow of Baisaran, 5km from Pahalgam, has become one of the bloodiest civilian massacres in Jammu & Kashmir in over a decade. Survivor testimonies reveal a grim pattern: names, religious symbols, and even dietary choices became markers for death. Florida-based techie Bitan Adhikary was gunned down in front of his family when he couldn’t “prove” he was Muslim. His widow, Sohini Adhikary, said their vacation turned into a nightmare of gunfire and screams. Another victim, Bengaluru techie Bharath Bhushan, was executed after simply stating his name. “My name is Bharath,” he told the attackers. That was enough. Assam professor Debasish Bhattacharya, whose academic fluency in Islamic scripture saved his life, recalled: “Overwhelmed by fear, I began chanting the kalma. After a few moments, the gunman lowered his weapon and we escaped through the forest.” In other cases, sheer chance played saviour. A Kerala family delayed their trip due to a salty lunch and missed the ambush entirely. Landslides, horse delays, and missed flights spared dozens of others. One couple, newly married and denied a Swiss visa, chose Kashmir for their honeymoon—only for Himanshi to return alone, dazed and bloodied beside the corpse of her husband Lt Vinay Narwal.
