In a pivotal diplomatic transfer, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is ready to embark on a major go to to India within the third week of February. This go to comes as each nations search to bolster their ties additional, constructing on the momentum created by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s key go to to Greece final yr – the primary by an Indian Prime Minister in 4 many years.
During PM Modi’s go to, India and Greece elevated their relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership”. Ties embody numerous areas from connectivity to maritime collaboration. The strategic significance of Greece’s Piraeus port has come to the forefront, with the potential to function a key hub within the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEEC) hall, enhancing commerce and connectivity.
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Notably, the army cooperation between the 2 nations has witnessed a notable upswing. The Indian Air Force’s lively participation within the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air train, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, showcased the rising partnership in protection capabilities. Furthermore, the Indian Navy’s INS Chennai engaged in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas throughout a go to to Souda Bay, Crete, strengthening maritime collaboration.
The diplomatic camaraderie extends past army maneuvers, with each nations discovering widespread floor on core worldwide points. India and Greece have persistently been aligned of their mutual assist on points akin to Kashmir and Cyprus. The nation additionally backs Indian bid for a everlasting seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council and this underscores their assist to Indian on the worldwide discussion board.
The Indian group in Greece, numbering between 13,000 to 14,000, acts as an important bridge between the 2 international locations, fostering people-to-people connections. Historically rooted, the connection between the 2 international locations dates again to the period of Mauryan kings and Alexander the Great. The enduring ties are exemplified by historical coinage, writings, and the echoes of World Wars, with over 500 troopers from undivided India resting in Greek soil as a poignant reminder of shared sacrifices.