Dendias: Defense as Investment and India as a Major Opportunity for Greece

“Greece may be a small economy, but on the strategic stage it plays a role that many overlook,” emphasizes Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, in a visit that goes far beyond ceremonial protocol, charting a new geopolitical direction.

At the 1st “The India – EU Forum” in New Delhi, Mr. Dendias did more than make statements. He set strategic objectives linking defense with technology, the economy, and digital culture, proving that Greece can think in terms of real power and European influence.

Strategic Cooperation, Not Just Diplomacy

Central to his intervention was expanding collaboration between the Indian and Greek defense ecosystems, aiming to:

• Forge deep technological and innovation synergies
• Develop dual-use products in combination
• Strengthen startups and emerging companies in the defense sector

“India always seemed out of reach,” Dendias remarked—not due to lack of interest, but because of regulatory and cultural barriers. Today, these obstacles are being dismantled.

This approach reflects both realism and vision: defense is no longer merely a question of armaments—it becomes a strategic investment in technology, the economy, and future-ready capabilities.

India and Greece: Shared Democracy and Values

Dendias stressed that India poses no threat to the EU, a crucial point for European security confidence.

Instead, there is a shared alignment of values and interests between the two democracies, creating fertile ground for:

• Deeper defense cooperation
• Trade agreements and strategic investment
• Exchange of technology and know-how

The EU-India Security and Defense Partnership Agreement reinforces this framework, showing that the geopolitical landscape is shifting in Greece’s favor.

Economic Realism and Greek Opportunity

Dendias acknowledged the significant trade deficit with India: Indian exports to Greece exceed €1 billion annually, while Greek exports remain below €100 million.

Yet, this realism is a call to action, not an excuse:

• Boost production of high-value Greek products
• Introduce Greek innovations to India’s expanding market
• Engage with one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide

Greek companies, particularly startups in defense and technology, received a direct invitation to act, not just a ceremonial encouragement.

Geostrategic Position and Alliances

Dendias’ visit was more than a forum appearance. It included:

• Meetings with Indian officials, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar
• Networking with European counterparts
• Exploration of partnerships in Bangalore with the Indian tech sector

These interactions show that Greece is now an active player in international geostrategic networks, far beyond its regional footprint.

Parallel Alliances Strengthening Greece

Dendias’ diplomacy is complemented by other strategic moves:

• Renewed Greek-French defense agreement, including advanced systems like Belharra frigates and electronic warfare capabilities
• Strengthened military and trade ties with the US and other allies

This pragmatic diplomacy builds tangible structures, not just words.

Dendias, Strategy, and the Forward Vision

Nikos Dendias demonstrates that when Greece speaks of defense, it speaks of politics, economy, and technology simultaneously.

He is not merely attending a forum—he is a politician shaping strategic thought, diplomatic maturity, and practical opportunities for Greek society and economy.

With this mindset, Greece does not wait for the future—it shapes it.

Source: pagenews.gr