Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic is set to embark on a pivotal two-day state visit to India from February 21-22, 2024. Accompanied by a high-powered business delegation and several senior officials, PM Mitsotakis’s visit underscores the growing importance of bilateral relations between Greece and India.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, at the heart of the visit is PM Mitsotakis’s participation as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue, 2024 in New Delhi, highlighting the deepening engagement between the two nations. This visit marks the first bilateral Head of State/Government level visit from Greece to India in 15 years, signifying a renewed commitment to strengthening ties.
The strategic partnership between India and Greece, elevated during PM Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023, is founded on shared cultural values and a mutual dedication to fostering economic growth. Collaboration in sectors such as security, defence, shipping, and maritime affairs has paved the way for enhanced cooperation on regional and global issues of common interest.
During the visit, PM Mitsotakis will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan, followed by bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders are expected to deliberate on avenues to further expand cooperation in defence, shipping, science and technology, education, culture, tourism, and agriculture.
Of particular significance is the emphasis on people-to-people ties, with both leaders directing efforts to promote cultural exchanges and preserve ancient sites. Efforts to finalize a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA) underscore the commitment to facilitating the free movement of the workforce between the two countries.
Moreover, both leaders are keen on boosting trade relations, with a directive to double bilateral trade by 2030. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Agriculture further demonstrates the commitment to fostering sectoral cooperation for mutual benefit.
Last year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece, in alignment with their shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean Sea, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international peace, stability, and security. Encouraging direct flights between Greece and India reflects the intention to enhance connectivity and promote tourism.
As PM Mitsotakis‘s visit unfolds, it is poised to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Greece, ushering in a new era of collaboration and friendship between the two ancient civilizations.