Central Idea

• PM Modi recently visited Greece to elevate bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.
• No Indian PM has visited Greece since 1983.
• Greece awarded the Indian PM with “The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour” (its second highest civilian award).

India and Greece Ties: A Historic Backgrounder

• India’s engagement with Greece spans over 2500 years, marked by trade, literature, and art interactions.
• Trade links and cultural exchanges existed between Mauryan Kings and Greece, evidenced by coinage and writings.
• Alexander the Great’s invasion in 326 BC led to interactions with Indian rulers, including battles with Raja Porus and Ambhi.
• Chanakya’s writings mention Megasthenes, an ambassador, in Chandragupta’s court.
• The fusion of Greek and Indian influences is visible in Gandhara Art.

Establishment of Modern Diplomatic Ties

• Diplomatic relations established in 1950.
• Embassies set up in Athens and Delhi, reflecting mutual cooperation.
• Greece respected India’s decisions on various internal matters and the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM).
• Collaboration on nuclear issues and international platforms showcased strong ties.
• Greece’s support for India on geopolitical and global matters.

Key Areas of Collaboration

(1) Defence and Security

• Enhancing collaboration in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and defence industry.
• Establishment of an India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisors (NSAs) for comprehensive discussions.

(2) Maritime Security and International Law

• A shared vision for a free, open, and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific.
• Pledged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation.

(3) Culture and Tourism

• Commitment to promoting art exchanges and cooperation.
• Joint efforts to preserve and safeguard ancient sites are bolstered through collaboration within UNESCO.

(4) Trade and Investment

• The ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
• Exploration of opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and innovation.

(5) Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA)

• Recognition of the mutual benefits of an early finalization of the MMPA.
• Aims to facilitate the free movement of the workforce between the two nations.

Recent Visit: An In-depth Analysis

• PM Modi’s visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
• Collaborative efforts focused on military cooperation, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.
• National Security Advisor-level dialogue was held to facilitate comprehensive discussions on mutual concerns.
• Both nations committed to maritime security, promoting free and open seas in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.
• Adherence to UNCLOS, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and navigation freedom are emphasized.
• Strengthening cooperation across defence, science, culture, tourism, and agriculture sectors.
• Greek membership in the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

Future Outlook

• Both leaders stressed cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
• PM Modi invited PM Mitsotakis to India, highlighting further deepening of relations.
• India-Greece ties play a significant role in the broader India-Europe commercial corridor plans.
• Shared vision for progress and commitment to diplomatic resolutions.
• Strengthening civilizational bonds through cultural interactions.

Conclusion

• The historical and modern India-Greece relations exhibit a strong foundation and evolving collaboration.
• Recent joint efforts underscore a robust partnership across various domains and a positive outlook for the future.

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