New Delhi, May 29 -- Italy has kick-started a dedicated task force with India on countering financial support to terrorism, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli said on Thursday.

Bartoli, while speaking at the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Italian Republic, said that both nations will soon launch a format on maritime security in support of freedom of navigation.

"We have just kick-started a dedicated task force on countering financial support to terrorism. We will soon launch a format on maritime security in support of freedom of navigation across our seas, and this is because connectivity remains the cornerstone of our ties," he said.

Highlighting cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), he...