Modi-Mitsotakis summit in Athens marks historic step in India-Greece bilateral relations

In a landmark meeting in Athens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have elevated India-Greece bilateral ties to the level of a “Strategic Partnership.” Both leaders committed to doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and expressed plans to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, shipping, science and technology, and more. The two nations also aim to finalize a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA), facilitating the free movement of workforce between India and Greece.

Greece Awards Modi with Grand Cross of the Order of Honour

During his visit to Greece, Prime Minister Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greek President Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou. Modi thus becomes the first foreign Head of Government to receive this distinguished award. The honor underscores the importance both countries place on their newly elevated Strategic Partnership.

Shared Vision for a Free, Open Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific

Without explicitly naming Turkey or China, both nations emphasized their shared vision of a “free, open, and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific,” adhering to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The focus on freedom of navigation, sovereignty, and territorial integrity reflects the geopolitical significance of the strategic partnership between India and Greece.

Trade, Defence, and Multilateral Issues: A Wide-Ranging Dialogue

During their extensive discussions, Modi and Mitsotakis covered topics like trade, defence, security, technology, infrastructure, digital payments, pharma, agriculture, and more. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and discussed resolving global conflicts like the Ukraine situation through diplomacy. Mitsotakis described Greece as India’s “gateway to Europe” and expressed support for a free trade pact between India and the European Union (EU).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo courtesy of Press Information Bureau.

Business, Culture, and Education: Opportunities for Mutual Growth

A business lunch hosted by Mitsotakis included CEOs from India and Greece, providing a platform for Modi to encourage investment in India. Both Prime Ministers also discussed educational and cultural exchanges, emphasizing the ancient ties and shared democratic values between the two nations. In a separate meeting with the Greek President, Modi touched on issues like sustainable development, women-led development, and India’s upcoming G20 presidency.

In summary, the Modi-Mitsotakis summit in Athens marks a pivotal moment in India-Greece relations, as both nations look to double bilateral trade and collaborate on a wide range of sectors. The Strategic Partnership is set to shape regional geopolitics and stimulate economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.