Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis plans India trip in February as India’s Mediterranean outreach gathers momentum
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, is planning an India trip next month, a little over six months since PM Narendra Modi visited Athens to elevate ties to strategic partnership.
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View Details»Mitsotakis is expected to be the Chief Guest at India's premier foreign policy forum — Raisina Dialogue being held here between February 21-24.
Greece has emerged as a key anchor for India's outreach to the Mediterranean region as New Delhi seeks presence at Greek ports and wider defence partnership. Greece could be the first point of call for the India Middle East Europe Corridor in Europe. It may be pointed out that while India has steadfastly supported Greece on the question of Northern Cyprus, Athens has historically backed India’s position on the Kashmir issue.
“As leaders of two ancient sea faring nations with a long-standing maritime outlook, they shared their vision of a free, open and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific, in accordance with the law of the sea, in particular the provisions of the UNCLOS, and with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation to the benefit of international peace, stability and security,” read the Joint Statement issued during Modi’s visit.
During that visit Modi and Mitsotakis directed their senior officials to ensure regular dialogue in the areas including political, economic, defence, security and public diplomacy. They also agreed to encourage direct flights between Greece and India.
During the visit Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece. He was the first foreign Head of Government
