In a significant step towards strengthening defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, Chief of the General Staff of the Hellenic Armed Forces, will visit New Delhi next week.
The visit marks the first high-level defence exchange between India and Greece after the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in August 2023.
According to ETV Bharat sources, the two countries are expected to sign a first-of-its-kind defence cooperation programme, which will include joint exercises and operations involving personnel and equipment of the three services as well as special forces.
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| Greek and Indian Air Forces participate in a joint exercise at Andravida Air Base on March 27, 2023. (Source: Greek City Times) |
A highlight of the deepening relationship between India and Greece in recent times has been a series of high-level engagements, Wion asserted. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited New Delhi, shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Athens.
Modi's visit on March 28, 2023, marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited the southern European country in more than four decades, signaling a renewed commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties.
Defence cooperation between the two countries has seen a notable growth, highlighted by efforts to participate in various defence exercises, such as the active participation of the Indian Air Force in the multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-23 hosted by the Hellenic Air Force.
Similarly, the Indian Navy's participation in a joint exercise with the Greek naval ship Nikiforos Fokas during its visit to Souda Bay, Crete has further strengthened maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Apart from military activities, India and Greece have found common ground on many issues, further strengthening their diplomatic friendship. The two countries have consistently supported each other on the issues of Kashmir and Cyprus. Athens has also supported New Delhi's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.
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