Greek PM's Visit to India: India-Greece Ties

The Greek PM's Visit to India on 21st–22nd February 2024 marked a significant moment in India-Greece relations. After a gap of 15 years, this high-level visit by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has paved the way for a multi-dimensional partnership, covering sectors like defence, trade, space, culture, migration, and technology.

This visit is highly relevant for SSC aspirants, particularly for exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and Railway exams, where international current affairs play a vital role.

Key Objectives of the Greek PM's Visit to India

The primary focus of the Greek PM's Visit to India was to enhance bilateral ties and build a stronger strategic partnership.

Major areas of cooperation:

• Defence and security collaboration

• Trade expansion with a 2030 goal

• Cultural and people-to-people exchanges

• Joint work in space and science

• Legal migration and skill development

This visit also comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of India-Greece diplomatic relations in 2025.

Defence Talks and Strategic Cooperation

One of the central elements of the Greek PM's Visit to India was focused on defence talks and security cooperation.

Key developments:

• Greece to participate in MILAN 2024, India's premier naval exercise

• Emphasis on defence production and technology transfer

• Discussion on joint shipbuilding, ammunition manufacturing, and cybersecurity

• Greece reaffirmed support for India’s permanent seat at the UN Security Council

This move strengthens the India-Greece defence deal and reinforces their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Trade Expansion Goals: $1 Billion by 2030

During the Greek PM's Visit to India, both countries committed to doubling bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030.

Current trade scenario (2021–22):

• India's exports to Greece: $510 million (cotton, petroleum, machinery)

• Greece's exports to India: $320 million (fertilizers, chemicals, plastics)

• Total bilateral trade: $830 million

High-potential sectors:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

• Agriculture and food processing

• Space technology

• Innovation and deep tech

• Skill development and education

This forms the core of the India-Greece bilateral trade agreement roadmap.

Space, Renewable Energy, and Tech Collaboration

As part of the Greek PM's Visit to India, a special focus was placed on space cooperation and sustainable energy.

• A Joint Committee on Space Cooperation has been set up to work on satellite navigation, space exploration, and earth observation.

• India will support Greece in joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote clean energy solutions.

These moves align with the growing importance of India-Greece cooperation in the space and defence sectors.

Infrastructure and Rail Modernization

India has agreed to help modernize Greek railway infrastructure, especially in rail safety mechanisms. This is a crucial part of the India-Greece strategic partnership, enhancing connectivity and transport efficiency.

Healthcare and Pharma Sector Boost

Another highlight of the Greek PM's Visit to India was the shared interest in expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Plans include:

• Production of generics and biosimilars

• Joint investments in medical R&D

• Pharma equipment and raw materials

This collaboration supports both nations’ goals for affordable healthcare access and global health innovation.

Maritime Cooperation: Shipping and Ports

Given their geographical advantage, both countries explored maritime collaboration during the Greek PM's Visit to India.

Areas of interest:

• Enhancing shipping routes and intermodal logistics

• Port development and management partnerships

• Leveraging both countries’ maritime heritage and expertise

Agriculture and Agri-Tech Partnership

The Greek PM's Visit to India also included discussions on strengthening the agriculture sector, focusing on:

• Organic farming and aquaculture

• Post-harvest technology

• Precision farming and sustainability

These steps will promote agri-tech innovation and food security.

Migration and Mobility Pact

A full-fledged Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement is being fast-tracked as part of the outcomes of the Greek PM's Visit to India.

Key features:

• Streamlining legal migration

• Promoting employment and education linkages

• Ensuring safe and orderly migration

• Addressing skill shortages in Greece while benefiting Indian workers and students

This development is expected to improve India-Greece people-to-people ties significantly.

75 Years of Diplomatic Relations (2025)

The Greek PM's Visit to India also laid the groundwork for celebrating 75 years of India-Greece diplomatic relations in 2025.

Planned activities include:

• Cultural festivals

• Diplomatic exchanges

• Business summits

• Commemorative stamp releases

This milestone underscores the historic depth of India-Greece ties.

Why This Visit Matters for SSC Aspirants

The Greek PM's Visit to India holds high current affairs relevance for competitive exams:

• Bilateral trade goal: $1 billion by 2030

• Defence cooperation: MILAN 2024 and joint production

• Support for UNSC: Greece backs India’s seat

• Space collaboration: Joint committee and ISA membership

• Migration pact: Legal mobility for Indian professionals

• 75-year celebration: India-Greece ties since 1950

Frequently Asked Questions (SSC Focus)

Q1. When did the Greek PM visit India in 2024?

Ans. 21st–22nd February 2024.

Q2. What is the bilateral trade target between India and Greece by 2030?

Ans. $1 billion.

Q3. Which naval exercise is Greece joining with India?

Ans. MILAN 2024.

Q4. Who is the current Prime Minister of Greece?

Ans. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Q5. What sectors saw new collaboration during the Greek PM's Visit to India?

Ans. Defence, space, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, shipping, migration, and culture

Final Thoughts

The Greek PM's Visit to India marks a pivotal chapter in the evolving partnership between two historically rich and strategically positioned nations. With ambitious goals like doubling trade by 2030, enhancing defence cooperation, and deepening ties in sectors such as space, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, the visit has laid a strong foundation for long-term collaboration.

Both countries have shown a shared commitment to mutual growth, regional stability, and global cooperation. As India emerges as a global player and Greece strengthens its strategic outreach, this renewed relationship holds promise not just for bilateral gains but also for broader regional and international impact.

The visit signals a future of deeper engagement, built on trust, shared values, and common interests.