Greek PM Visits Bharat after 16 years, meets PM Modi to double bilateral trade by 2030
The visit, which comes after a gap of 16 years, has been seen as a historic occasion by both leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India on Wednesday. The visit, which comes after a gap of 16 years, has been seen as a historic occasion by both leaders. During their bilateral meeting held at Hyderabad House, discussions revolved around deepening partnerships in various sectors including defence, security, trade, and investment.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing discussions. He said, “We held discussions on finalizing the mobility and migration partnership agreement as soon as possible. This will help embolden our people-to-people partnership.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed optimism about the finalization of crucial agreements, particularly in the area of migration and mobility. “We continue building on the positive momentum in our bilateral relationship. The joint declaration that we signed in Athens a few months ago, and which upgraded our relationship to a strategic level, is already being put into practice,” Mitsotakis said during a joint press conference.
PM Modi announced, “It’s a matter of happiness that India and Greece are heading towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030.” Both leaders acknowledged the opportunities for collaboration in various sectors including startups, shipping, connectivity, defence, cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
“In the fight against terrorism, India and Greece have the same concerns and priorities. We held a detailed discussion in further strengthening our cooperation in this sector,” PM Modi reiterated, highlighting the shared commitment to combatting global challenges.
Additionally, the leaders emphasized the importance of promoting collaboration in higher education institutions and commemorated the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Greece. Plans are underway to prepare an action plan to showcase the common heritage of both countries on the global stage.
Welcoming Greece’s active participation in the Indo-Pacific, PM Modi said, “It is a matter of happiness that Greece has decided to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. We agree that all disputes and tensions should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Prime Minister Mitsotakis also voiced support for India’s candidacy to the UN Security Council for 2028-29, stating, “We support and participate in the border dialogue about reforming the UN itself in order to make it more representative of the shifting patterns of development and global order.”
Accompanied by a high-powered business delegation, Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ visit says a lot about the growing strategic cooperation between India and Greece. This visit, the first bilateral Head of State/Government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years, represents the deepening of ties between the two nations.
Furthermore, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis praised India’s role as a pillar of stability and security in the wider Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. The visit ended with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan and Mitsotakis’ participation in the 9th Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest, where he delivered a keynote address.
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