Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during his first visit to India in 16 years, commended the robustness of Indian democracy and engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Their talks spanned critical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the challenges in the Red Sea, and the mutual ambition to enhance trade ties between the two nations.
This visit marks a pivotal moment, following Modi’s historic trip to Athens last year, aiming to deepen the strategic partnership and double bilateral trade by 2030, alongside strengthening connectivity through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Mitsotakis, in his address at the Raisina Dialogue, underscored Greece’s unique position as a bridge between diverse regions.
“We are at a unique moment of mutually beneficial opportunity, one in which Greece, given its geographic, cultural and strategic proximity can act as an interlocutor between India and Europe and there to go even wider lens between the global north and the global south and indeed between the East and the West,” he stated, emphasising Greece’s role in global connectivity and its strategic advantages in the Mediterranean.
Highlighting the historical and philosophical connections between the two countries, Mitsotakis invoked Hindu scriptures to underline the universal notion of interconnectedness.
“To draw from the Hindu scriptures that put so powerfully the ‘world is one family’ and sacred Sanskrit wisdom that resonates loud and clear today,” he said on ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, advocating for India’s influential role in addressing global challenges, including the situation in Ukraine and the broader quest for international stability.
Mitsotakis also voiced strong support for India’s engagement in global governance, particularly endorsing India’s candidacy for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
“And today, democracy and that is why this gathering is so important is about essentially outsmarting those who seek to bend and misshape the rule of democratic discourse in their favour. And India and Greece have vital roles to play in achieving that goal,” he elaborated, highlighting the critical importance of democratic values in the international arena.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the strengthening of the Indo-Greek partnership, expressing satisfaction with the progress made since his visit to Athens.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Mitsotakis and his delegation to India. Our discussions today were very important and useful. It is a matter of joy that we are rapidly moving towards the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030,” Modi said at the joint press statement after the bilateral talks held in New Delhi between the two leaders, outlining the broad spectrum of cooperation, from agriculture to defence and technology.
Modi further emphasised the shared commitment to peace and security, highlighting the discussions on maritime security and counter-terrorism.
“The growing cooperation in defence and security reflects our deep mutual trust. India and Greece have common concerns and priorities in the fight against terrorism,” he stated, underlining the strategic depth of the Indo-Greek relationship.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra shed light on the technical discussions surrounding the IMEC corridor and the broader implications of regional conflicts on these initiatives.
“The discussions with regard to specifics of the individual IMEC corridors on railways, shipping and others have been progressing. The PM’s talked about the need for Israel-Gaza conflict to be resolved diplomatically,” Kwatra explained, emphasising the forward-looking nature of the discussions and the commitment to overcoming regional challenges through international cooperation.