25 August 2023, Mumbai: In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis have announced plans to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic level and double the bilateral trade between India and Greece by 2030. During PM Modi’s historic daylong visit to Greece, the first by an Indian premier in four decades, the two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
India-EU Connectivity Partnership
Underlining their commitment to both the ongoing India-EU trade and investment negotiations and the India-EU Connectivity Partnership, the leaders expressed their determination to further strengthen the partnership. They acknowledged the need to deepen engagement across diverse fields, including defence, shipping, science and technology, cyber space, education, culture, tourism, and agriculture.
PM Modi signed an agreement for cooperation in the Agriculture Sector
During the visit, PM Modi also signed an agreement for cooperation in the Agriculture Sector, a move that underscores the mutual desire to expand collaboration beyond traditional boundaries. The leaders were unanimous in their vision to promote exchanges in the arts, enhance the preservation of ancient sites, and cooperate within UNESCO.
PM Modi On Greece Visit
A significant highlight of the visit was Greece’s inclusion in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a move that reflects the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. PM Modi also expressed his anticipation of Greece’s participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), showcasing a collective pursuit of disaster resilience.
Furthermore, PM Modi’s visit solidified Greece’s membership in the G20 Forum. While expressing confidence in India’s leadership in advancing G20 goals, the Greek Prime Minister welcomed India’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 Forum.
A historic Milestone
PM Modi’s arrival in Athens marked a historic milestone as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece in the last 40 years. Greeted by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at the Athens International Airport, the warm reception extended to his hotel, where members of the diaspora enthusiastically chanted ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi.’
The visit serves as a significant diplomatic gesture, reinvigorating the bond between the two nations. With a renewed focus on bilateral cooperation and shared commitments, India and Greece have embarked on a promising journey of strategic collaboration and mutual growth.