At the invitation of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, H.E. Mr. George Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic (Greece), undertook a three-day official visit to India from February 5 to 7, 2025. The visit aimed to enhance the India-Greece strategic partnership, focusing on economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and global geopolitical issues.
Strengthening the India-Greece Strategic Partnership
During their discussions, both ministers reviewed the progress made under the bilateral strategic partnership, building on recent high-level exchanges, including:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Greece in August 2023
- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ State Visit to India in February 2024
They reaffirmed their commitment to doubling bilateral trade by 2030, as directed by the two Prime Ministers. To achieve this goal, both sides stressed the importance of institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Economic Committee in facilitating trade and investment.
Advancing Cooperation in Defense, Maritime Security, and Global Affairs
The ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made in defense cooperation, highlighting growing engagements in security and military exchanges.
They also exchanged views on critical regional and global developments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions. They emphasized that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) would serve as a key infrastructure project to strengthen global connectivity and economic ties.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and emphasized respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation, which are crucial for maritime security and global stability.
India-Greece Relations in the UN and Workforce Mobility
Dr. Jaishankar congratulated Greece on assuming a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (2025-26), reinforcing Greece’s role in global peace and security.
Recognizing the mutual economic benefits of workforce mobility, the ministers agreed to accelerate negotiations on the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, aimed at streamlining labor movement between the two nations.
Celebrating 75 Years of India-Greece Diplomatic Relations
Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, both nations announced a series of cultural events in New Delhi and Athens, reinforcing their shared historical and cultural heritage.
High-Level Meetings and Future Outlook
During his visit, Foreign Minister Gerapetritis also met with India’s National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval, to discuss strategic and security issues of mutual interest.
The visit underscored the growing economic, strategic, and cultural cooperation between India and Greece, setting the stage for a new era of collaboration in trade, defense, connectivity, and global diplomacy.