India and Greece Forge Strategic Partnership, Aiming to Double Bilateral Trade by 2030: PM Modi

In an important stride toward strengthening international ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on an official visit to Greece, responding to an invitation extended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The visit marked a significant development as India and Greece mutually decided to elevate their bilateral relations to the status of a strategic partnership, with the goal of doubling their bilateral trade by 2030.

Elevating Bilateral Ties:

The high-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis took place in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Acknowledging the existing collaboration between the two nations, the leaders exchanged perspectives on subjects of mutual concern on the bilateral, regional, and global fronts.

An official joint statement released by India and Greece highlighted their intent to elevate their longstanding amicable connection to a "Strategic Partnership." This move underscores a commitment to extend cooperation across political, security, and economic domains.

Strengthening People-to-People Bonds:

Recognizing the significance of people-to-people connections, both leaders resolved to enhance these links between India and Greece. With a rise in bilateral trade and economic engagement in recent years, they aimed to build on this momentum.

Expressing appreciation for the progress, the leaders emphasized their determination to work together to double bilateral trade by 2030. According to recent data from the Indian government, the bilateral merchandise trade for the year 2022-23 stood at approximately USD 2 billion.

Diversified Engagement:

The joint statement emphasized the comprehensive nature of the partnership, highlighting multiple sectors of cooperation. These encompass defense, shipping, science and technology, cyber space, education, culture, tourism, and agriculture. The leaders underscored their commitment to broaden and deepen these engagements.

Fostering Sectoral Cooperation:

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the field of agriculture, marking a step toward more extensive sectoral collaboration. This MOU includes the establishment of a Hellenic-Indian Joint Sub-committee on Agriculture, designed to facilitate sectoral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Direct Flights and International Partnerships:

Both leaders directed their officials to establish regular dialogue across areas such as politics, economics, defense, security, and public diplomacy. Additionally, they collectively advocated for the facilitation of direct flights between India and Greece.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Greece's membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and anticipated Greece's participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Future Outlook:

The strategic partnership between India and Greece signifies a strengthening of bilateral bonds that encompass diverse aspects of cooperation. With a clear focus on expanding economic collaboration, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering technological engagement, this development sets the stage for enhanced mutual benefits between the two nations.

Some relevant and latest facts for the above news:

• The bilateral merchandise trade between India and Greece stood at about USD 2 billion in 2022-23.

• The two countries have agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

• India has welcomed Greece into the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• India looks forward to Greece’s membership of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

• The two countries have agreed to encourage direct flights between Greece and India.

• The two countries have agreed to hold regular dialogue in the areas including political, economic, defence, security and public diplomacy.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• Ministry of External Affairs, India: https://www.mea.gov.in/

• Government of Greece: https://www.gov.gr/en/