India, Greece agree to elevate ties to Strategic Partnership

India and Greece on Friday agreed to elevate their relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ as PM Narendra Modi held wide ranging dialogue with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece in Athens.

The two leaders called for respect of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity in the backdrop of India’s consistent support on Cyprus issue and Greece’s constant support on the Kashmir issue.

The PM level discussions covered various dimensions of the bilateral partnership, including trade and investment, defense and security, technology, infrastructure, digital payments, shipping, pharma, agriculture, migration and mobility, tourism, skill development, culture, education and people to people ties, an official informed.


They also discussed regional and multilateral issues, including the EU, Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean.

“Greece expressed its support for the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement. Over the Ukraine issue, both countries support diplomacy and dialogue. For Greece's cooperation at the UN and other international platforms, I thanked him (Greek PM). I am thankful to him for his best wishes and encouragement for India's G20 presidency,” Modi said in his remarks at the joint press meet with his Greek counterpart.

Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece. He is the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honour.

Modi and the Greek President also discussed matters related to sustainable development, women-led development, India’s G20 presidency and the deepening of India - Greece relations.

Modi also attended the business lunch hosted by Mitsotakis.

The event saw participation from leading Indian and Greek CEOs from diverse sectors including shipping, infrastructure, energy, among others.

During his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in areas such as renewables, startups, pharma, IT, digital payments and infrastructure and the various initiatives undertaken to foster business. He acknowledged the role played by these industry leaders in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation between India and Greece.

Modi encouraged the business leaders to utilize the investment opportunities in India and be a part of India’s growth story.

This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Greece in the last 40 years.