Malta Deputy Prime Minister Exclusive: India Can Help Reinforce Stability In Mediterranean

Last Updated:March 08, 2026, 12:54 IST

Ian Borg warns that further escalation with Iran risks widening a conflict in an already fragile region

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.

Excerpts from the interview:

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.

In the end, strengthening partnerships across the Mediterranean and beyond will be essential if we want to build long-term peace and resilience in the region.

Given Malta’s importance as a maritime hub, do you see scope for deeper collaboration with India in shipping, logistics, and port infrastructure, especially as global trade routes and supply chains are being reconfigured?

Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean and its strong maritime ecosystem naturally open the door to deeper collaboration with India. As global trade routes and supply chains continue to evolve, there is clear potential for the two countries to work more closely in areas such as shipping, logistics, and port infrastructure.

By combining Malta’s role as a gateway between Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean with India’s expanding global trade footprint, both sides could benefit from stronger connectivity, knowledge exchange, and mutually supportive maritime initiatives.

At the same time, Malta remains committed to strengthening existing trade corridors. Ensuring that these routes remain secure, sustainable, and efficient is vital, not only for Europe’s economic resilience but also for promoting balanced growth across the wider Mediterranean region.

What opportunities do you see for Malta arising from the “Mother of All Deals" recently signed between India and the European Union?

The India–EU Free Trade Agreement has the potential to open significant opportunities for all EU member states, including Malta, by expanding trade and investment between two of the world’s major economic blocs. With tariffs expected to be reduced or eliminated on a large share of goods, European businesses will have greater access to India’s fast-growing market.

For Malta, this could translate into new prospects in sectors such as services, logistics, financial services, and niche exports. As a small but globally connected economy, Malta stands to benefit from deeper economic integration and the stronger commercial ties that such an agreement can create between India and the European Union.

India often positions itself as a voice of the Global South. How does Malta view this growing role, and do you think platforms like the Raisina Dialogue can help bridge perspectives between Europe and the Global South on issues such as climate change, development and security?

Malta recognises India’s growing role as an important voice of the Global South and welcomes its efforts to highlight the concerns and priorities of developing countries on the global stage.

As a small island state that is both European and deeply connected to the Mediterranean and the wider international community, Malta strongly values inclusive dialogue that brings together different regional perspectives.

Platforms such as the Raisina Dialogue play an important role in this regard. They create space for constructive engagement between Europe and the Global South, particularly on shared challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and global security. Strengthening these conversations is essential if we are to build the understanding and cooperation needed to tackle issues that affect us all.

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