Mitsotakis–Modi in New Delhi: Greece as India’s gateway to Europe, AI at the geopolitical forefront

A High‑Stakes Diplomatic Turn in New Delhi

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met today with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during the AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring a deepening strategic partnership between Athens and New Delhi. The talks reaffirmed that Greece can serve as India’s geographic and economic “gateway to Europe” — a narrative with clear geopolitical signalling beyond traditional bilateral diplomacy. This comes two years after Greece’s official visit to India and 2½ years after Modi’s trip to Athens, when the relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership. 

Both leaders agreed to leverage this momentum to expand cooperation in defence, shipping, shipbuilding and infrastructure, reflecting converging economic and security interests as global power balances shift. Greece’s involvement in the emerging India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was emphasized as a key pillar of future integration.

IMEC and Greece’s Strategic Position

Prime Minister Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s interest in participating in the IMEC initiative, a multilateral corridor connecting India with Europe via the Middle East. This corridor is seen as a strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road framework and aligns with Europe’s shift toward diversified connectivity routes. Greece’s geographic location and logistics networks — especially its port and transport infrastructure — position it as an essential link in this emerging East‑West economic corridor.

Greece’s commitment to IMEC signals its rising role as a logistics hub bridging three continents — a geopolitical asset that could rewire trade flows and economic influence in the broader region.

AI, Social Impact and Inclusive Growth

At the AI Impact Summit, Mitsotakis framed artificial intelligence not merely as a technological evolution but as a cultural and societal transformation. He stressed that the benefits of AI must be widely shared and not concentrated in the hands of a few major tech firms or investors. Instead, AI should serve workers, small businesses, public services and vulnerable groups alike.

He pointed out that historical technological revolutions generate vast wealth, but wealth distribution is never automatic — it requires thoughtful public policy. In that context, he argued that governments must actively design frameworks that ensure inclusive access to AI’s gains across all sectors of society.

Mitsotakis highlighted key areas where AI can deliver broad social good:

• Education: narrowing learning gaps and expanding opportunities
• Healthcare: advancing telemedicine, predictive analytics and personalized care
• Climate resilience: improving early warning systems and environmental risk assessment

Digital Governance and Regulation

The Greek PM emphasised that public institutions must be modernised to keep pace with rapid technological change. Traditional regulatory frameworks, designed for the industrial era, are inadequate for the digital age. Instead, he argued for faster, results‑oriented procurement systems that are friendly to startups and innovation.

Regarding social media and youth protection, Mitsotakis announced that Greece will soon introduce measures restricting minors’ access to social platforms — a policy grounded in democratic responsibility toward the mental well‑being of younger generations. Strengthening trust in the public sphere, combating disinformation, and regulating hate speech online were cited as key priorities.

The PM also stressed the need for dialogue with major tech companies, but warned that if voluntary engagement fails to deliver clear results, regulation will be necessary.

In a strategic shift beyond domestic policy, Mitsotakis argued that artificial intelligence is an element of national strength. It extends from semiconductor and data infrastructure to cloud services and international research collaboration. Countries that succeed in AI will be those that build capable states — with modern governance systems and robust digital talent pipelines — rather than just powerful AI models.

He warned against a fragmented global AI ecosystem, noting that dividing AI into rigid siloes weakens collective benefits. Instead, responsible interdependence and cooperation should expand opportunities for all, rather than confining innovation to isolated blocs.

An Inclusive Vision — Blending Tradition with Technology

Closing his remarks, Mitsotakis delivered a symbolic message from Greece: “It is the combination of artificial intelligence with ancestral intelligence — whether in ancient Sanskrit texts or in the writings of Greek philosophers — that will lead us to a fairer, more prosperous future.”

His remarks reflect a broader narrative: technological progress must be integrated with ethical and cultural wisdom to shape a globally inclusive future of prosperity.

Geo‑Political Underpinnings

This meeting and summit engagement reveal deeper strategic dynamics:

• Greece positioning itself as a bridge between the EU and South Asia, not only geographically but economically and technologically.
• AI governance emerging as a global policy frontier, with democratic states seeking frameworks that balance innovation with societal safeguards.
• IMEC symbolising a shift toward diversified East–West connectivity, offering alternatives to existing power arrangements in infrastructure and trade.

Greece’s presence at these diplomatic and tech policy tables signals its ambition to be a relevant player in global governance, digital diplomacy, and strategic economic corridors.

Source: pagenews.gr