In a pivotal diplomatic move, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to embark on a significant visit to India in the third week of February. This visit comes as both nations seek to bolster their ties further, building on the momentum created by&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's key visit to Greece last year - the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.

During PM Modi's visit, India and Greece elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership". Ties encompass various areas from connectivity to maritime collaboration. The strategic significance of Greece's Piraeus port has come to the forefront, with the potential to serve as a key hub in the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEEC) corridor, enhancing trade and connectivity.

Watch | This World: Iran conducted strikes in Balochistan | Iran-Pakistan Tensions

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-court-walkers-poppadoms-are-potato-chips-681883/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Notably, the military cooperation between the two nations has witnessed a notable upswing. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, showcased the growing partnership in defense capabilities. Furthermore, the Indian Navy's INS Chennai engaged in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, strengthening maritime collaboration.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-myanmar-border-to-be-protected-by-barbed-fencing-to-curb-influx-of-illegal-migrants-says-amit-shah-681896">Barbed fencing on Indo-Myanmar border soon to curb influx of illegal migrants, says Amit Shah</a>

The diplomatic camaraderie extends beyond military manoeuvres, with both nations finding common ground on core international issues. India and Greece have consistently been aligned in their mutual support on issues such as Kashmir and Cyprus. The country also backs Indian bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council and this underscores their support to Indian on the international forum.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-hints-china-might-weaponise-weather-for-strategic-gains-681866">Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains</a>

The Indian community in Greece, numbering between 13,000 to 14,000, acts as a vital bridge between the two countries, fostering people-to-people connections. Historically rooted, the relationship between the 2 countries dates back to the era of Mauryan kings and Alexander the Great. The enduring ties are exemplified by ancient coinage, writings, and the echoes of World Wars, with over 500 soldiers from undivided India resting in Greek soil as a poignant reminder of shared sacrifices.

In a pivotal diplomatic move, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to embark on a significant visit to India in the third week of February. This visit comes as both nations seek to bolster their ties further, building on the momentum created by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's key visit to Greece last year - the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.

In a pivotal diplomatic move, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to embark on a significant visit to India in the third week of February. This visit comes as both nations seek to bolster their ties further, building on the momentum created by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's key visit to Greece last year - the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades. During PM Modi's visit, India and Greece elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership". Ties encompass various areas from connectivity to maritime collaboration. The strategic significance of Greece's Piraeus port has come to the forefront, with the potential to serve as a key hub in the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEEC) corridor, enhancing trade and connectivity. Watch | This World: Iran conducted strikes in Balochistan | Iran-Pakistan Tensions × Notably, the military cooperation between the two nations has witnessed a notable upswing. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, showcased the growing partnership in defense capabilities. Furthermore, the Indian Navy's INS Chennai engaged in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, strengthening maritime collaboration. Also Read | Barbed fencing on Indo-Myanmar border soon to curb influx of illegal migrants, says Amit Shah The diplomatic camaraderie extends beyond military manoeuvres, with both nations finding common ground on core international issues. India and Greece have consistently been aligned in their mutual support on issues such as Kashmir and Cyprus. The country also backs Indian bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council and this underscores their support to Indian on the international forum. Also Read | Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains The Indian community in Greece, numbering between 13,000 to 14,000, acts as a vital bridge between the two countries, fostering people-to-people connections. Historically rooted, the relationship between the 2 countries dates back to the era of Mauryan kings and Alexander the Great. The enduring ties are exemplified by ancient coinage, writings, and the echoes of World Wars, with over 500 soldiers from undivided India resting in Greek soil as a poignant reminder of shared sacrifices.

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis to travel to India in February

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday (Nov 29) dubbed the cancellation of his meeting with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the Parthenon marbles as an "unfortunate event". However, he stated that this would not affect the relations between Greece and Britain in the long run.

In a meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Mitsotakis, reflecting on the "positive side" of the issue said that it gave him the opportunity to further underline Greece’s request for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

He then said that the Greek-British relations have had a deep, significant, history.&nbsp;

“I returned yesterday from London. Just two words about the unfortunate event of the cancellation of my programmed meeting with my British counterpart. My first observation is that I believe it will not affect Greek-British relations in the long run, which are already relations that have a deep, significant, history," Mitsotakis said.&nbsp;

"And secondly, the cancellation of this meeting had a positive side, in that the fair request by Greece for the re-unification of the Parthenon marbles gained even greater publicity, not only in the United Kingdom but also in global public opinion,” he added.

Sakellaropoulou said the re-unification of the marbles had uncovered recognition in British as well as international public opinion, however, she said that some issues could not be solved ‘automatically’ and required time.

“We all followed the developments in London, what I find significant is that the Parthenon is a symbol not only of the Classical period but is also important for global cultural heritage, as the symbol of democracy and philosophy," she said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-youngest-nato-ally-seals-all-it-border-crossings-with-russia-664200">Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all it border crossings with Russia</a>

Thus the re-unification of the marbles, which is a request by our country that goes back perhaps as early as the creation of the state - but of course the last years it has progressed - has found recognition and understanding from public opinion, international public opinion, British public opinion, and that may be the great profit, because there are some issues that cannot be solved automatically, they need their time. With that in mind we can hope that the just request of our country will find a response quickly,” she further added.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled his Tuesday's meeting with Mitsotakis after his office released a statement saying that both sides had previously decided that it should not be used as a public platform "to relitigate long, long settled matters."

"It's simply the case that if assurances are given and they're not adhered to, there are consequences for that," Sunak's spokesman told reporters.

Greece has repeatedly urged the British Museum to send back the 2,500-year-old sculptures that were removed by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple in the early 19th century. During this period, Greece was under Ottoman Turkish rule.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-parthenon-sculptures-row-triggered-between-united-kingdom-and-greece-663622">Explained: The Parthenon Sculptures row between United Kingdom and Greece</a>

<h2>Greek PM expresses displeasure&nbsp;</h2>

After Sunak called off the meeting, Mitsotakis expressed his "displeasure" and also declined the UK's offer to meet Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden instead to discuss the issues.

"I would like to express my displeasure at the British Prime Minister's cancellation of our meeting just a few hours before it was due to take place," the Greek leader said in a brief statement.&nbsp;

A Downing Street spokesperson said "The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important", citing joint work within NATO and "tackling shared challenges like illegal migration" and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

"The deputy prime minister was available to meet with the Greek PM to discuss these important issues," the spokesperson added, without referencing the marbles issue. 
&nbsp; 
Mitsotakis lamented, "Greece's position on the issue of the Parthenon friezes is well known. I had hoped to have the opportunity to discuss them with my British counterpart".

"Those who believe in the rightness and validity of their positions are never afraid to confront the arguments," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday (Nov 29) dubbed the cancellation of his meeting with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the Parthenon marbles as an "unfortunate event".

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday (Nov 29) dubbed the cancellation of his meeting with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the Parthenon marbles as an "unfortunate event". However, he stated that this would not affect the relations between Greece and Britain in the long run. In a meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Mitsotakis, reflecting on the "positive side" of the issue said that it gave him the opportunity to further underline Greece’s request for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures. He then said that the Greek-British relations have had a deep, significant, history. “I returned yesterday from London. Just two words about the unfortunate event of the cancellation of my programmed meeting with my British counterpart. My first observation is that I believe it will not affect Greek-British relations in the long run, which are already relations that have a deep, significant, history," Mitsotakis said. "And secondly, the cancellation of this meeting had a positive side, in that the fair request by Greece for the re-unification of the Parthenon marbles gained even greater publicity, not only in the United Kingdom but also in global public opinion,” he added. Sakellaropoulou said the re-unification of the marbles had uncovered recognition in British as well as international public opinion, however, she said that some issues could not be solved ‘automatically’ and required time. “We all followed the developments in London, what I find significant is that the Parthenon is a symbol not only of the Classical period but is also important for global cultural heritage, as the symbol of democracy and philosophy," she said. Also read: Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all it border crossings with Russia Thus the re-unification of the marbles, which is a request by our country that goes back perhaps as early as the creation of the state - but of course the last years it has progressed - has found recognition and understanding from public opinion, international public opinion, British public opinion, and that may be the great profit, because there are some issues that cannot be solved automatically, they need their time. With that in mind we can hope that the just request of our country will find a response quickly,” she further added. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled his Tuesday's meeting with Mitsotakis after his office released a statement saying that both sides had previously decided that it should not be used as a public platform "to relitigate long, long settled matters." "It's simply the case that if assurances are given and they're not adhered to, there are consequences for that," Sunak's spokesman told reporters. Greece has repeatedly urged the British Museum to send back the 2,500-year-old sculptures that were removed by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple in the early 19th century. During this period, Greece was under Ottoman Turkish rule. Also read: Explained: The Parthenon Sculptures row between United Kingdom and Greece Greek PM expresses displeasure After Sunak called off the meeting, Mitsotakis expressed his "displeasure" and also declined the UK's offer to meet Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden instead to discuss the issues. "I would like to express my displeasure at the British Prime Minister's cancellation of our meeting just a few hours before it was due to take place," the Greek leader said in a brief statement. A Downing Street spokesperson said "The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important", citing joint work within NATO and "tackling shared challenges like illegal migration" and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "The deputy prime minister was available to meet with the Greek PM to discuss these important issues," the spokesperson added, without referencing the marbles issue. Mitsotakis lamented, "Greece's position on the issue of the Parthenon friezes is well known. I had hoped to have the opportunity to discuss them with my British counterpart". "Those who believe in the rightness and validity of their positions are never afraid to confront the arguments," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mitsotakis says cancellation of meeting with Sunak will not affect Greece-Britain relations

A spy crisis compared to Watergate, calls for more resignations amid reports of "black activities," and an eavesdropping controversy that prompts the resignations of Greece's intelligence chief and the head of his personal office within minutes.

After learning that the head of the third-largest party in the country, the political rival of the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, had his phone tapped by the intelligence agency EYP, which directly reports to his office, he is currently facing his most difficult time in office.

“I never expected the Greek government to spy on me using the darkest practices,” the Pasok party head, Nikos Androulakis who is also a member of the European parliament, said in a televised address late on Friday as the extent of the espionage became apparent. “It is our democratic duty to protect the human rights and freedoms of Greek citizens. Today is a moment of truth for those whose arrogance and sense of impunity make them capable of anything.”

Only a few hours earlier, the Prime Minister's Maximou office had announced Panagiotis Kontoleon's resignation for "incorrect behaviour," resigning him from his position as the much-respected head of the EYP.

The news came after Mitsotakis's nephew and closest aide, Grigoris Dimitriadis, shocked everyone by announcing that he had also resigned, taking a bullet for his boss in an effort to put an end to the scandal. Dimitriadis had served as Kontoleon's point man in Maximou and was regarded as an eminence grise with broad-reaching abilities.

The resignations were seen as an admission of guilt by Sunday, when Mitsotakis said that the wiretapping had been a "big and inexcusable blunder." 
The socialist former prime minister Alexis Tsipras compared the spy scandal to Greece's very own Watergate, saying it "brutally insults our democracy," and he vowed to do everything in his power to expose the wrongdoing.

He asserted that the centre-right administration had a need to be transparent regarding both Androulakis, whose phone was allegedly monitored for three months before to his election as Pasok leader last September, and other allegedly targeted individuals.

“Instead of hypocritical apologies and lies, Mr Mitsotakis should say which other politicians and journalists have been followed,” said Tsipras, who heads the main opposition Syriza party. “This is not a huge and unforgivable mistake. It’s a huge scandal [that represents] the unforgivable arrogance of a regime, of a prime minister that thought no one could control him.”

The issue began when Androulakis stated he had been told by the European parliament of an effort to bug his mobile phone with Predator malware. This revelation has brought to mind the darkest days of military control, when opponents of the Colonels' regime of 1967–1974 were routinely spied on.

After using a cybersecurity tool provided by the Strasbourg-based parliament for parliamentarians to check their phones are not being illegally tracked, the MEP made the revelation. Predator is one of the most advanced spyware programmes currently on the market, with the ability to open encrypted messages and turn on mobile devices' cameras and microphones.

Androulakis detailed the attempted wiretapping in a complaint he submitted to prosecutors at the nation's supreme court last week.

Following charges of similar illegal surveillance by a government that has drawn harsh international criticism for limiting media freedom, two Greek journalists—one covering migration and the other finance—have also filed lawsuits.

According to MPs present at the closed-door committee meeting on July 29, Kontoleon, the spy head, acknowledged that the Greek intelligence service had tracked Thanassis Koukakis, the financial reporter, at the request of a foreign intelligence service.

At first, government representatives denied that the resignations were related to the Predator spyware allegations. However, sources later said that although the surveillance was legal and carried out using standard software, the prime minister was unaware of it and "would have stopped it." This was despite the fact that Androulakis's cellphone had been tapped at the request of foreign intelligence services.

The request was attributed by certain media outlets to the Pasok leader's contacts with "shady personnel acting on behalf of Chinese interests," according to Greek media over the weekend, which identified the foreign intelligence services as being Ukrainian and Armenian.

The administration's line of defence was instantly criticised as being a complex network of lies from a time when it was in its biggest crisis since taking office in July 2019.

The Greek parliament was urged by Androulakis on Friday to form an inquiry committee to look into possible political liabilities.

Mitsotakis has declared he will officially address the country on Monday. As one of his first acts as president, he controversially placed EYP under Maximou's supervision. He was quoted as saying in Sunday's To Vima, "I owe Nikos Androulakis an apology."

The Harvard-educated leader has garnered praise for his reform agenda and management style, which are more closely related to those in the US than those in the Mediterranean and are considered by some as a breath of fresh air following years of crippling economic instability in Greece. He has shown signs of savouring the challenge of many crises since inheriting the helm.

However, Mitsotakis, who is up for re-election in 2019 under a new electoral law that will make it nearly impossible for his New Democracy party to form a government - even if, as predicted, it comes first - has also come in for increasing criticism for a management style that doesn't allow for constructive criticism.

The MEP Giorgos Kyrtsos, who was booted from New Democracy earlier this year for publicly criticising the government and its treatment of the media, remarked, "Absolute power corrupts." 
In a system with limited checks and balances, Mitsotakis rules through Maximou rather than the cabinet. His attempt to exert authority has become out of hand. His genuine standing as a European liberal will come under scrutiny as a result of this massive situation involving spies.

(With inputs from the Guardian)

A spy crisis compared to Watergate, calls for more resignations amid reports of "black activities," and an eavesdropping controversy that prompts the resignations of Greece's intelligence chief and the head of his personal office within minutes.

A spy crisis compared to Watergate, calls for more resignations amid reports of "black activities," and an eavesdropping controversy that prompts the resignations of Greece's intelligence chief and the head of his personal office within minutes. After learning that the head of the third-largest party in the country, the political rival of the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, had his phone tapped by the intelligence agency EYP, which directly reports to his office, he is currently facing his most difficult time in office. “I never expected the Greek government to spy on me using the darkest practices,” the Pasok party head, Nikos Androulakis who is also a member of the European parliament, said in a televised address late on Friday as the extent of the espionage became apparent. “It is our democratic duty to protect the human rights and freedoms of Greek citizens. Today is a moment of truth for those whose arrogance and sense of impunity make them capable of anything.” Only a few hours earlier, the Prime Minister's Maximou office had announced Panagiotis Kontoleon's resignation for "incorrect behaviour," resigning him from his position as the much-respected head of the EYP. The news came after Mitsotakis's nephew and closest aide, Grigoris Dimitriadis, shocked everyone by announcing that he had also resigned, taking a bullet for his boss in an effort to put an end to the scandal. Dimitriadis had served as Kontoleon's point man in Maximou and was regarded as an eminence grise with broad-reaching abilities. The resignations were seen as an admission of guilt by Sunday, when Mitsotakis said that the wiretapping had been a "big and inexcusable blunder." The socialist former prime minister Alexis Tsipras compared the spy scandal to Greece's very own Watergate, saying it "brutally insults our democracy," and he vowed to do everything in his power to expose the wrongdoing. He asserted that the centre-right administration had a need to be transparent regarding both Androulakis, whose phone was allegedly monitored for three months before to his election as Pasok leader last September, and other allegedly targeted individuals. “Instead of hypocritical apologies and lies, Mr Mitsotakis should say which other politicians and journalists have been followed,” said Tsipras, who heads the main opposition Syriza party. “This is not a huge and unforgivable mistake. It’s a huge scandal [that represents] the unforgivable arrogance of a regime, of a prime minister that thought no one could control him.” The issue began when Androulakis stated he had been told by the European parliament of an effort to bug his mobile phone with Predator malware. This revelation has brought to mind the darkest days of military control, when opponents of the Colonels' regime of 1967–1974 were routinely spied on. After using a cybersecurity tool provided by the Strasbourg-based parliament for parliamentarians to check their phones are not being illegally tracked, the MEP made the revelation. Predator is one of the most advanced spyware programmes currently on the market, with the ability to open encrypted messages and turn on mobile devices' cameras and microphones. Androulakis detailed the attempted wiretapping in a complaint he submitted to prosecutors at the nation's supreme court last week. Following charges of similar illegal surveillance by a government that has drawn harsh international criticism for limiting media freedom, two Greek journalists—one covering migration and the other finance—have also filed lawsuits. According to MPs present at the closed-door committee meeting on July 29, Kontoleon, the spy head, acknowledged that the Greek intelligence service had tracked Thanassis Koukakis, the financial reporter, at the request of a foreign intelligence service. At first, government representatives denied that the resignations were related to the Predator spyware allegations. However, sources later said that although the surveillance was legal and carried out using standard software, the prime minister was unaware of it and "would have stopped it." This was despite the fact that Androulakis's cellphone had been tapped at the request of foreign intelligence services. The request was attributed by certain media outlets to the Pasok leader's contacts with "shady personnel acting on behalf of Chinese interests," according to Greek media over the weekend, which identified the foreign intelligence services as being Ukrainian and Armenian. The administration's line of defence was instantly criticised as being a complex network of lies from a time when it was in its biggest crisis since taking office in July 2019. The Greek parliament was urged by Androulakis on Friday to form an inquiry committee to look into possible political liabilities. Mitsotakis has declared he will officially address the country on Monday. As one of his first acts as president, he controversially placed EYP under Maximou's supervision. He was quoted as saying in Sunday's To Vima, "I owe Nikos Androulakis an apology." The Harvard-educated leader has garnered praise for his reform agenda and management style, which are more closely related to those in the US than those in the Mediterranean and are considered by some as a breath of fresh air following years of crippling economic instability in Greece. He has shown signs of savouring the challenge of many crises since inheriting the helm. However, Mitsotakis, who is up for re-election in 2019 under a new electoral law that will make it nearly impossible for his New Democracy party to form a government - even if, as predicted, it comes first - has also come in for increasing criticism for a management style that doesn't allow for constructive criticism. The MEP Giorgos Kyrtsos, who was booted from New Democracy earlier this year for publicly criticising the government and its treatment of the media, remarked, "Absolute power corrupts." In a system with limited checks and balances, Mitsotakis rules through Maximou rather than the cabinet. His attempt to exert authority has become out of hand. His genuine standing as a European liberal will come under scrutiny as a result of this massive situation involving spies. (With inputs from the Guardian)

Greek Prime Minister under criticism over monitoring opponent's phone

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has appealed to Turkey to find a diplomatic solution to the tension in the eastern Mediterranean, saying he hopes to build a partnership between the historic rival neighbours.

Greece PM invites Turkey for talks: 'Give diplomacy a chance'