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New Delhi, India
In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week. This visit marks the first military-level exchange between the two nations following the elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Partnership'.
The deepening of ties between Greece and India has been underscored by a series of high-profile engagements in recent times. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a visit to India, closely following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Greece the previous year.
Modi's visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the southern European nation in over four decades, signaling a renewed commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations.
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Military cooperation between the two countries has seen a notable upsurge, with collaborative efforts evident in various defense exercises. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, demonstrated the growing partnership in defense capabilities.
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Similarly, the Indian Navy's engagement in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, further strengthened maritime collaboration between the two nations.
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Beyond military maneuvers, India and Greece have found common ground on several issues, further cementing their diplomatic camaraderie. Both nations have consistently aligned in their mutual support on Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.