A MONG Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government’s significant diplomatic achievements is the deepening of ties with various countries. In another milestone, Prime Minister M Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) came to India on a three-day visit – the first such trip by the country’s head of state in 15 years.
“Our discussions today (February 21) were very significant and useful. It is a matter of joy that we are rapidly moving towards the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030,” said PM Modi after a meeting with his Greece counterpart in New Delhi.
PM Mitsotakis was also the chief guest and keynote speaker at the ninth Raisina Dialogue, which was inaugurated by PM Modi.
India’s Premier visited Greece for his maiden visit last August. It marked the first visit by any PM of India to Greece in the last 40 years. The two leaders discussed a wide range of subjects, including steps to further strengthen people-to-people ties.
Bilateral trade
Bilateral trade between India and Greece stood at $1.9 billion in 2022- 23. India mainly exports aluminum, organic chemicals, fish and crustaceans, iron and steel, etc. to Greece. Among Greece’s top exports to India are minerals fuels, mineral oils and products, sulphur, and aluminum foil.
The two countries identified pharmaceuticals, ports, chemicals, shipping, food, communications, and defence as key sectors to double their bilateral trade. Shipping partnership will give India investment opportunities in Greek ports and lend support to modernise its shipping industry.
The two countries also agreed to establish a joint working group on defence, maritime security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity, building on a history of defence collaboration.
Ancient history
India’s contacts with Greece began over 2500 years ago. Trading between the Mauryan Kings and Greece is evidenced by coinage and writings. Diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in May 1950. The relationship has progressed smoothly.
After India’s nuclear tests in May 1998, when most Western countries were contemplating sanctions against India, the then Defence Minister of Greece visited India the same December.
Greece never interfered in the internal affairs of India and has extended full support to its quest for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council. During the India-EU Porto Summit in May 2021, PM Mitsotakis expressed Greece’s full solidarity and support for India in the EU.
