India: Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Modi hold talks after grand welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

After a grand welcome at New Delhi's Rashtrapati Bhawan, Greek Prime MinisterKyriakos Mitsotakis and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks over a range a topics spanning from security to trade.

“We held discussions on finalising the mobility and migration partnership agreement as soon as possible. This will help emboldening our people-to-people partnership," PM Modi said in a press conference after the talks.

Mitsotakisalso said he's sure that the two countries "will finalize very quickly a very important agreement on migration and mobility".

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Additionally,PM Modisaid, "It's a matter of happiness" that India and Greece "are heading towards doubling the bilateral trade by 2030".

What Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said

Mitsotakis expressed that it's his inaugural official visit to India. He emphasised collaborating with Prime Minister Modi to further enhance the positive trajectory of their bilateral relationship.

"The joint declaration that we signed in Athens a few months ago and which upgraded our relationship to a strategic level is already being put into practice. And as the Prime Minister said, we are making significant progress towards deepening the strategic cooperation in all spheres- security and defence, investment and trade, science and technology, cyberspace, education, culture, tourism, agriculture," Mitsotakissaid.

Accompanied by his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, the Greek PM received a ceremonial guard of honour at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday (Feb 21).

"It is a privilege to be in India on an official state visit, reciprocating the visit of the Prime Minister to Greece a few months ago," Mitsitakis said.

"For Greece, the strategic partnership between our two countries is of particular importance and we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, political consultations, strategic partnership, but also fostering our economic lives between our two economies. So it's a real privilege to be here and I'm really looking forward to the discussions we will have."

Earlier in the day, the Greek prime minister held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who commended Mitsotakis' dedication to strengthening ties between the two nations.

Attendance at Raisina Dialogue 2024

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, serving as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday. His participation underscores the importance of fostering dialogues and collaborations on global issues.

Accompanying the Greek Prime Minister is a senior delegation that includes a high-powered business delegation.

The Ministry of External Affairs extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Mitsotakis via social media, highlighting the significance of his visit and his participation in the Raisina Dialogue 2024.

During Mitsotakis' visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Greek counterpart will hold bilateral discussions. PM Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary, further fostering bilateral ties.

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The Ministry of External Affairs anticipates that Prime Minister Mitsotakis' visit will strengthen the existing strategic partnership between India and Greece, contributing to enhanced cooperation in various fields.

Following his engagements in New Delhi, Prime Minister Mitsotakis will also visit the western city of Mumbai.

(With inputs from agencies)