India and Greece Forge Stronger Bonds: A Look at Their Deepening Strategic Partnership
New Delhi, February 21, 2024: A major advancement in the India and Greece developing strategic partnership was made during the historic two-day state visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India. First made by a Greek head of state in fifteen years, this visit demonstrated increased collaboration on a number of fronts, including trade, security, defense, and cultural exchange.
India and Greece have a long history of cultural exchange that has strengthened their relationship over millennia. While extending a warm greeting to his counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed their shared heritage and pledged to build on it. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen the strategic alliance that PM Modi and his delegation formed during their August 2023 visit to Greece.
Key Highlights of the India and Greece Summit:
- Trade and Economy:
Both leaders PM Narendra Modi and Greece PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis demonstrated their commitment to deepening economic ties by promising to double bilateral trade by 2030. They indicated a desire to expand their cooperation in ports, infrastructure development, and shipping by taking advantage of Greece’s advantageous position as a gateway to Europe. In addition, three significant agreements were signed during the visit:
- Mobility and Migration Agreement: This agreement will make it simpler for students and professionals with the necessary skills to move between the two nations, promoting increased cross-cultural understanding and information sharing.
- Agreement on Maritime Transport: By simplifying shipping policies and processes, this agreement seeks to increase bilateral maritime commerce.
- Agreement on Audiovisual Co-production: This agreement fosters cooperation between the two countries’ film and television industries, advancing mutual understanding and cross-cultural communication.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis issue a joint press statement.
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2024
PM Modi says, "The increasing cooperation in defence and security reflects our deep mutual trust. In this sector, with the formation of Working Group, we can increase… pic.twitter.com/LcghiHQ91N
2. Defense and Security:
To enhance their collaboration in these vital domains, the leaders deliberated on collaboration in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. India also looked into defense sales opportunities with Greece, which helped it reach its ambitious export goal. The signing of a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation is noteworthy as it outlines particular areas of cooperation, such as:
- combined military training and exercise regimens.
- Cooperation in intelligence gathering and information sharing concerning shared interests.
- collaboration on technology transfer and defense equipment.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis issue a joint press statement.
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2024
The Greek PM says, "...The world today is facing unprecedented challenges that require immediate and efficient action from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the situation in the… pic.twitter.com/BY4poOGoHT
3. Regional and Global Cooperation:
Both leaders PM Narendra Modi and Greece PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis recognized the difficulties presented by the current geopolitical environment and the significance of international collaboration. Greece acknowledged Greece’s function as a cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific area and reaffirmed its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
India and Greece are developing a stronger strategic alliance, which was cemented by this state visit. The pacts struck and the areas of collaboration delineated opened the door to a complex partnership with enormous potential. Experts note that this partnership could lead to:
- combating threats to common security such as maritime piracy and terrorism.
- fostering stability in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.
- promoting economic growth and international trade.
Warm welcome to PM @kmitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 20, 2024
Received by MoS @M_Lekhi at the airport.
PM Mitsotakis is the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at #RaisinaDialogue2024. pic.twitter.com/wkr0uuU8T8
PM Mitsotakis’ keynote speech at the 9th Raisina Dialogue, “Navigating a Shifting World: Shared Values, Converging Interests,” emphasized the dedication to working together to address global issues. Strong democracies must cooperate to solve problems like energy security, food security, and climate change, according to Mitsotakis.
In summary, the strategic partnership between India and Greece presents a positive picture of multifaceted cooperation. The two countries’ cooperation has enormous potential to support regional and global stability and prosperity as they build on their shared history and interests.
