NEWS & EVENTSOFFICIAL VISITS

Official Visit of FM George Gerapetritis to India (February 5-7, 2025)

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 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Mr. George Gerapetritis, paid an official visit to India on February 05-07, 2025, at the invitation of External Affairs Minister H.E. Dr. S Jaishankar aiming to further strengthen India-Greece ties & enhance our growing strategic partnership.

Gerapetritis had a “very productive conversation” with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, focusing on shipping, trade & investment, connectivity, mobility, AI and cultural ties. Also discussed India Middle- East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and India-Mediterranean connect, which will be a major focus of the next phase of Indo-Greek relations. Greek FM highlighted the geostrategic importance of India Middle- East Europe Economic CorridorIMEEC project & the role of Greece as a natural doorstep to Europe. The two FMs agreed to promote people-to-people diplomacy via education, culture, and tourism.  Gerapetritisreaffirmed Greece’s intention to open two new Consulates in Mumbai and Bangalore. Referring to India-EU relations and Greece’s role, Gerapetritis emphasized that “Greece aspires to be an integral part of this visionary plan, as India’s gateway to the EU. This ambitious connectivity plan will strengthen the strategic importance of the areas involved, both economically and geopolitically, and will promote peace and stability.”

The Ministers recalled the directions given by the two Prime Ministers to underpin the strategic partnership with a strong economic relationship and to double the volume of bilateral trade by 2030. In this context, they emphasized the importance of institutional mechanisms, such as the Joint Economic Committee, in effectively advancing trade and investment relations. They also pointed out the importance to encourage the private sector to establish direct flights between Greece and India, also in order to more effectively promote tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Minister Gerapetritis underlined the economic benefits of promoting safe, orderly and regular migration. It was agreed to work for the speedy conclusion of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. The strong Indian community in Greece has steadily grown over the last years and it is estimated now between 13,000 and 14,000 contributing to the growth of the Greek economy.

The Greek Foreign Minister also met with National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval during the visit. He also visited the Gandhi Smriti Museum and gave a speech at the event of the Indian think tank “Observer Research Foundation”, entitled “Greece – India Partnership in Today’s Geopolitical Landscape” and gave an interview with “The Hindu” newspaper (06.02.2025)

Both sides agreed on the importance to further enhance cooperation in the shipping sector recognizing the important role of the two countries in the Maritime field. The Ministers highlighted maritime security as another point of convergence between Greece and India, both maritime nations. Minister Gerapetritis reiterated the commitment to advance the Maritime Security Agenda, as one of Greece’s priorities, during its term as an elected member of the UNSC. He also reiterated the readiness of Greece, holding the largest merchant fleet in the world.

Economic collaboration between the two nations has also seen significant developments in recent years. Indian infrastructure giant GMR Airports Ltd., in partnership with Greek company GEK-Terna, is leading an EUR 850 million project to construct a new airport in Kasteli, Crete. This marks the first major Indian investment in Greece. Additionally, Indian multinational UPL Hellas has established a presence in Greece, focusing on agricultural solutions, including fertilisers and bio solutions, catering to Greek farmers and the broader regional market.

India and Greece have historically maintained warm and cooperative relations, supporting each other on key international matters, including Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has consistently refrained from making statements on recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir, aligning with India’s concerns on the issue. Additionally, Athens has extended its backing for India’s quest for a permanent seat in an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).