India and Greece discuss increasing cooperation in shipping and connectivity
Meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday (February 21, 2024), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed new opportunities in bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of Pharma, Medical Devices, Technology, Innovation, Skill Development, and Space.
 
The two sides also discussed increasing cooperation in shipping and connectivity, Prime Minister Modi said in a press statement after the meeting.
 
“Our discussions today were very significant and useful. It is a matter of joy that we are rapidly moving towards the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. We identified several new opportunities to give new energy and direction to our cooperation,” Prime Minister Modi said.
 
Here are key takeaways from Prime Minister Modi’s press statement.
 
New Opportunities for Cooperation
  
We identified several new opportunities to give new energy and direction to our cooperation. There are many possibilities for closer cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture. And I am pleased that both sides are taking steps to implement the agreements reached in this area last year.
 
We emphasized on increasing cooperation in many areas like Pharma, Medical Devices, Technology, Innovation, Skill Development, and Space.

We also discussed connecting the start-ups of both the countries. Shipping and Connectivity are topics of high priority for both the countries. We also discussed increasing cooperation in these areas.
 
Defence & Security
  
The growing cooperation in defence and security reflects our deep mutual trust. With the formation of a Working Group in this area, we will be able to increase mutual coordination on common challenges like defence, cyber security, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.
 
New opportunities for co-production and co-development are being created in defence manufacturing in India, which can be beneficial for both the countries. We have agreed to link the defence industries of both the countries. India and Greece have common concerns and priorities in the fight against terrorism. We discussed in detail how to further strengthen our cooperation in this area.
 
Cultural & People-to-People Ties
  
We discussed concluding the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between the two countries as soon as possible. This will further strengthen our people-to-people relations.

We also emphasized on promoting cooperation between higher education institutions of the two countries. We have decided to prepare an Action Plan to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Greece next year. With this, we will be able to showcase the common heritage, and achievements of both the countries in science and technology, innovation, sports, and other fields on the global stage.
 
Regional and international issues
  
We agree that all disputes and tensions should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. We welcome Greece's active participation and positive role in the Indo-Pacific. It is a matter of joy that Greece has decided to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. There has also been agreement for cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Launched during India's G-20 chairmanship, the IMEC corridor will contribute significantly to the development of humanity in the long run. Greece can also become an important partner in this initiative.
 
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called in Prime Minister Mitsotakis.
 
"Delighted to call on Prime Minister @kmitsotakis of Greece today.  Valued his commitment to enhancing India-Greece ties. Look forward to the strengthening of our strategic partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X. 
 
An Important Strategic Partnership 
  
The visit by Prime Minister Mitsotakis on February 21-22 is the first bilateral head of state/government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years; the last Prime Ministerial visit from Greece to India took place in 2008.
 
Bilateral relations between the two nations were elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023.