Elevating India-Greece Defense Cooperation

In a significant step toward strengthening defense ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, Chief of Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, will visit New Delhi next week.

The visit marks the first high-level defense exchange between India and Greece since the upgrading of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in August 2023.

According to ETV Bharat sources, the two countries are expected to sign a defense cooperation program for the first time, including joint exercises and operations involving personnel and equipment from all three branches of the armed forces, as well as special forces.

The Greek and Indian air forces participated 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 commitments, Wion affirmed. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited New Delhi, shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Athens.

Modi's visit on March 28, 2023, 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.

Defence cooperation between the two countries has seen notable developments, 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 Greek Air Force.

Similarly, the Indian Navy's participation in a joint exercise with the Greek naval vessel Nikiforos Fokas during its visit to Souda Bay, Crete, further strengthened maritime cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond military activities, India and Greece have found common ground on many issues, further strengthening their friendly diplomatic relations. The two countries are consistent in supporting each other on Kashmir and Cyprus issues. Athens also supports New Delhi's efforts to secure a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nang-tam-hop-tac-quoc-phong-an-do-hy-lap-266821.html