India, Greece Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis decided to elevate Greek-Indian bilateral ties to the level of a “Strategic Partnership” while holding discussions at Athens. The leaders also committed to doubling bilateral trade by 2030. They expressed their intent to expand cooperation across various domains, including defence, shipping, science and technology, cyber space, education, culture, tourism, and agriculture. They also agreed “that an early finalisation of a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA) would be mutually beneficial, facilitating in particular the free movement of workforce between the two countries.”

During the visit, Modi was also conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour award by Greek President Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou at the Presidential Mansion and became the first foreign Head of Government to receive the honour.

With an eye on the role of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea, and China in the Indo-Pacific without naming them, both countries underscored their vision of a "free, open, and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific," emphasising adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, while respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation.

Modi offered condolences for recent forest fires in Greece and highlighted the enduring ties and shared values between the two ancient civilisations and democracies. He also expressed their joint commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

The visit included a business lunch hosted by the Greek Prime Minister, attended by prominent Indian and Greek CEOs from various sectors. Modi encouraged business leaders to explore investment opportunities in India.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis described Greece as a "gateway to Europe" for India and extended support for a free trade pact between India and the European Union (EU). He congratulated Modi on India's successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.

Discussions during the visit encompassed trade, defence, security, technology, infrastructure, digital payments, shipping, pharma, agriculture, migration, mobility, tourism, skill development, culture, education, and regional and multilateral issues. They jointly called for respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

In a meeting with the Greek President, Modi discussed sustainable development, women-led development, India's G20 presidency, and deepening India-Greece relations. He paid tribute at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" in Athens, laying a wreath.