India-Greece Relations are set to deepen with the upcoming state visit of the Greek Prime Minister to India, aimed at enhancing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Key Highlights:
- IMEC Corridor Development: Discuss the initiation of the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) Corridor during India’s G20 presidency and the potential benefits for both the nations.
- 75th Anniversary Action Plan: An action plan will be formulated for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Greece in 2025.
- Sectoral Cooperation: Emphasis will be given for cooperation in diverse sectors like agriculture, space, skill development, technology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
- Defence and Security Working Group: It explains the establishment of the Working Group and its significance in deepening trust.
- Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement: It will enhance the cultural and people-to-people relations.
About India- Greece Relations:
Historical Linkages:
- India’s ties with Greece date back over 2500 years, evident in Ashoka’s edicts mentioning diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations.
- Alexander the Great’s 4th century BCE campaign reached the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.
- Trading between Mauryan Kings and Greece was documented through coinage and writings.
- Chanakya’s Arthashastra records the Yavan Ambassador named Megasthenes in Chandragupta’s Court.
- Gandhara art in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan reflects the fusion of Indian and Greek influences.
Commercial Relations:
- Bilateral trade at USD 2 billion in 2022-23, with India exporting aluminium, organic chemicals, fish, and iron and steel.
- Greece exports minerals fuels, mineral oils, sulphur, and aluminium foil to India.
- India was honored as the ‘Country of Honour’ at the 84th Thessaloniki International Fair in 2019.
Political Relations:
- Diplomatic ties were established in 1950 and embassies were opened in Delhi (1950) and Athens (1978).
- Greece has given India a consistent support on core national issues like Kashmir and Cyprus.
- Greece favors UNSC (United Nations Security Council) expansion with India as a permanent member.
Defence Relations:
- Defence Cooperation since 1998 involves military training, joint exercises, and defence industry collaboration.
- Indian Air Force had participated in Exercise INIOCHOS-23, with Greece.
Cultural Ties:
- Dimitrios Galanos, a Greek Indologist, spent 47 years in India translating Hindu texts into Greek, with a chair for Hellenic Studies at JNU.
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations offers annual scholarships for Greek students.
- Prof. Nicholas Kazanas, a Greek Indologist, received the Padma Shri award on India’s 72nd Republic Day in 2021.
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