Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending warm wishes on the occasion of his birthday, which was on September 17. PM Modi expressed “his heartfelt appreciation for the gesture,” according to an official statement.
The conversation also reaffirmed the growing momentum in India-Greece relations, which were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Athens in August 2023. Both leaders “welcomed developments in bilateral relations across sectors such as trade, investment, technology, shipping, defence, security, connectivity and people-to-people ties, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-Greece Strategic Partnership,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Backing for India-EU FTA
During the call, Mitsotakis assured Greece’s full support for the early conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underlining the importance of mutually beneficial trade ties. He also conveyed Greece’s encouragement for the AI Impact Summit 2026, to be hosted by India.
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“Prime Minister Mitsotakis conveyed Greece’s support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The leaders agreed to remain in touch,” the PMO statement added.
Growing strategic partnership
The two countries share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties and are strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, maritime security, shipping, technology, and connectivity. Greece and India have also worked closely in multilateral forums, advocating democracy, freedom, a rules-based international order, respect for international law including UNCLOS, and human rights.
In February 2024, Mitsotakis paid a State visit to India, the first by a Greek head of government in 15 years. That visit further consolidated cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), aimed at boosting trade and connectivity between India and Europe in sectors such as energy, logistics, technology, ports, and infrastructure.
(With inputs from IANS)
