New Delhi, 9 February 2025: Former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and former Israeli Foreign Minister Eliezer Sandberg spoke in favor of strengthening trade relations with India, citing technology and pharmaceuticals as key sectors for cooperation.
Speaking at a function marking the foundation day of a local school, Muscat noted Malta’s economic growth and its existing pharmaceutical exports to India while acknowledging the country’s need for technological support.
“Our country may be a small Mediterranean archipelago, but we are one of Europe’s most developed economies,” Muscat said. “The last time I visited India was as prime minister in January 2019, when I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I like this country and its culture, and I will keep coming back.”
He mentioned that Malta, strong in pharmaceutical manufacturing, exports medicines to India but lags in computer software development. “For this, we need India’s help,” he said. Muscat also pointed to Malta’s microchip manufacturing sector, which exports to India and other nations.
Sandberg, who arrived in the city three days earlier, visited prominent landmarks, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar. He mentioned that while India-Israel trade relations are strong, there is still room for growth.
“We are a technologically advanced nation and can contribute significantly to India in this field,” he said.
Muscat traveled to the city from New Delhi via Amritsar without security cover, while Sandberg’s visit preceded his by a few days.
