Relations between India and Malta may not always dominate headlines, but the two countries have steadily found common ground in trade, maritime connectivity, and multilateral diplomacy. As global power dynamics shift and instability ripples across regions from the Middle East to Europe’s southern flank, smaller but strategically placed states like Malta are increasingly looking to partners such as India to broaden cooperation.
On the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, CNN-News18 sat down with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving global landscape. Borg spoke about the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the fragile security environment in the Mediterranean, and the role partners such as India can play in reinforcing regional stability.
He also discussed prospects for deeper collaboration with New Delhi in maritime trade and logistics, Malta’s view of India’s growing position as a voice of the Global South, and the opportunities that could emerge for smaller European economies from the much-discussed “Mother of All Deals" between India and the European Union.
Europe has been accused of sending mixed signals on the escalating Iran–Israel conflict. Does the EU need a more coherent position that balances Israel’s security concerns with the need to prevent a wider war with Iran?
The EU’s position reflects the complexity of the situation. On one hand, there is recognition of Israel’s legitimate security concerns and the need to respond to threats. On the other, there is a clear understanding that further escalation with Iran risks widening a conflict in an already fragile region.
This is why Malta has consistently emphasised multilateralism, dialogue, and the role of international institutions as the most sustainable path to de-escalation.
A strong and coherent European voice that encourages restraint from all sides, supports regional stability and prioritises diplomatic engagement can help prevent a broader confrontation, while addressing security concerns through a rules-based international framework.
Malta sits at the heart of the Mediterranean, a region increasingly shaped by conflicts in the Middle East and migration pressures. How does your government assess the evolving security environment in the Mediterranean, and what role can partners like India play in ensuring stability?
Malta sees the Mediterranean as a region of shared responsibility, where security, stability, and humanitarian concerns are deeply interconnected. The challenges we face today, from regional conflicts to migration pressures, cannot be addressed by any one country alone. They require sustained dialogue, stronger cooperation and, above all, respect for international law.
Partners like India, which are expanding their diplomatic and economic engagement in the region, can play a constructive role. Through multilateral cooperation, support for stability initiatives, and collaboration on maritime security and humanitarian efforts, countries such as India can help reinforce stability.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
