Indian PM Modi will visit Greece later this month

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Greece later this month to bolster ties and as part of his travels to the BRICS summit in South Africa later this month.

WION reported that the visit “marks a watershed moment in the relationship [as] the last Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece was former PM Indira Gandhi in 1983.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visited Greece in 2021 and laid the groundwork for heightened engagement, something highlighted by the unveiling of a Mahatma Gandhi statue in Athens.

Beyond symbolic gestures, substantial diplomatic achievements have taken place.

During EAM Jaishankar’s 2021 visit, a Framework Agreement on the International Solar Alliance was signed, reflecting both nations’ commitment to sustainable development. This agreement was subsequently ratified by the Greek Parliament in March 2022, reaffirming the tangible progress made.

In the military sector, the Indian Navy’s Kolkata class destroyer ship INS CHENNAI was at Souda Bay in Crete on 27-29 July and held exercises with the Greek Navy in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

Meanwhile, Greek fighter jets are expected to participate in the TARANG SHAKHTI exercise for the first time in September. The Greek government has steadily promoted defence cooperation with India in recent years and the General Staff of National Defence has assumed a leading role in this relationship.

It is evident that India also wishes to develop defence ties with our country and is showing it in practice by planning and expanding military exercises and joint training with the Armed Forces.

This year, the College of Defence Management of the Indian Armed Forces, led by the School’s commander, Rear Admiral Sanjay Datt, visited Greece. A series of exercises with Navy and Air Force units preceded it.

The firm will of Athens and New Delhi to further develop their defence cooperation was recently realised with the joint training of naval units of the two countries.

The highlight of this relationship was the close cooperation of the Armed Forces of the two countries, with the participation of the Indian Air Force for the first time in the multinational exercise “INIOCHOS 23” with Su30 aircraft, which was held at the end of last May.

The co-training of the Indians with the Greek pilots and the familiarisation with the Greek F-16s prove vital for New Delhi, as it wants to get to know the fighter jet that is the backbone of the Pakistani air force.

Besides, the strengthening of defence cooperation between the two countries has to do with the close military relationship between Turkey and Pakistan, rivals of Greece and India…

In September, four Greek F-16s are also scheduled to participate in “Tarang Shakti”, India’s largest air exercise, while the visit of the head of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA), Konstantinos Floros, to India is also in the works following an invitation from his counterpart.

As WION reported: “The diplomatic rapport between India and Greece extends beyond military manoeuvres. Both nations have been aligned on core international issues, with Greece consistently supporting India’s stance on matters like Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece’s backing of India’s bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council exemplifies their shared interests in global affairs.

“Additionally, Greece’s support during critical international agreements like the NSG, MTCR, WASSENAAR arrangements, and Australia Group demonstrates the country’s solidarity with India.

“As of the 2011 Greek census, the Indian community in Greece numbered 11,333. This community has since grown, estimated to range between 13,000 to 14,000 members, serving as a bridge between the two nations.

“This bond isn’t just contemporary; it’s rooted in history. From the era of Mauryan Kings engaging in trade with Greece, evidenced by ancient coinage and writings, to Alexander the Great’s expedition in 326 BC that left an indelible mark on India’s history, these ties have been enduring.

“The echoes of World Wars resonate too, with over 500 soldiers from undivided India laid to rest in Greek soil, a poignant reminder of shared sacrifices.”