Greece- India relations

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2021

Greece aligns with India for a ‘free’ Indo-Pacific

June 27, 2021: The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Greece, which has developed close ties with China, even allowing China to operate the Piraeus port signed on to the Indo-Pacific vision, aligning with India.

As foreign minister S Jaishankar met his Greek counterpart Nikon Dendias in a bilateral visit that happened after 18 years, the two leaders discussed "geo-political and geo-economic realities, including the Indo-Pacific". An official readout said the two countries acknowledged "the convergence of each others' vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for the region."

This was a significant outcome from India's perspective. Greece has been an important linchpin for China's BRI in Europe. China's shipping firm Cosco took a majority stake in Piraeus 2016. The port is at a strategic location between the Asian and European continents.

An official MEA readout said Greece became an official signatory to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with the Greek foreign minister submitting the agreement to the Indian side, and was "welcomed to the family of the ISA". "Both sides agreed that this will assist the two countries in realisation of the energy goals set by the respective governments to make renewable energy a significant part of the energy supply After the India-Europe summit, India is getting down to the business of engaging almost every member of the EU.

Jaishankar also called on Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and conveyed greetings on the 200th anniversary of Greek independence. He also unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Athens.

The discussions, said the MEA statement, covered trade and investment, and ongoing cooperation in science and tech, culture, academics etc. India is keen to restart formal negotiations on an FTA with Europe, and all member countries would have to sign off on it. Therefore, its important, according to sources for India and Greece to begin discussions to elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership

The ministers discussed the recent developments pertaining to Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya. Both sides agreed on the importance of rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; recognised the threat posed by radicalisation, violent extremism, as well as terrorism, including cross border terrorism.

Multilateral and a rules based international order was also emphasised "so as to make them more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities." MEA said Greece "reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed UNSC."

2023

PM Modi’s visit

August 26, 2023: The Times of India

PM Modi’s visit to Greece, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, saw the two nations upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership with focus on expanding political, defence & security cooperation. The visit also had Greek President Katerina NSakellaropoulou conferring the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour on Modi, making him the first foreign head of government to receive it.

TNN

India, Greece set to double bilateral trade by 2030: Modi

Speaking at a joint press event with his counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, PM Modi said this was a national reunion between two ancient civilisations and that the two countries had agreed to give a boost to defence industries, along with military ties.


“Today we also discussed the topics of terrorism and cybersecurity,” he said, announcing an institutional platform for dialogue at the level of national security advisers. Modi said both sides also set a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and decided to firm up a migration and mobility partnership pact soon to facilitate skilled migration between the two countries.


The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever committed and the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism.


The two countries, in a joint statement, backed their vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, and also the Mediterranean Sea where Greece is involved in the Aegean dispute with Turkey, in accordance with the law of the sea and freedom of navigation to the benefit of international peace, stability and security. “Today, we have excellent coordination on geopolitical, international and regional topics — whether in the Indo-Pacific or in the Mediterranean,” he said.


“Greece and India are a natural match between two ancient civilisations of the world, between two ancient democratic ideologies and between two ancient trade and cultural relations,” Modi added. Referring to the Ukraine crisis, Modi said India and Greece support diplomacy and dialogue to resolve it.