Cabinet approves MoU with Italy for Disaster Risk Reduction

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on September 15, 2021.

Highlights

MoU was signed between National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India and Department of Civil Protection of the Presidency of Council of Ministers of Italy.

Significance of the MoU

• MoU seeks to bring in place a system, where both India and Italy will benefit from the Disaster Management mechanisms of each other.
• MoU will help in strengthening the areas of preparedness, response as well as capacity building in the field of Disaster Management.

Background

MoU on cooperation in the Field of Disaster Risk Reduction and management was signed in June, 2021.

India-Italy Relations

Political relation between India and Italy was established in 1947, after India’s independence. However, culturally both the countries share relation since ancient time. Classical languages namely Sanskrit and Latin belong to Indo-European language family. Peoples of these two ancient civilizations have interacted and traded with each other for more than 2000 years. Italian port cities acted as important trading posts on the spice route to carry spices from India to European nations. Indian troops were also active in Italy during World War II.

Economic Cooperation

India is Italy’s fifth largest trading partner among the European Union whereas Italy is the fifth largest investor in India.

Cultural Cooperation

Agreement over cultural cooperation between both the countries was signed in 1976. It comprises of Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between both the nations, that provides for exchange of students in language programmes and other academic courses.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2021