As Narendra Modi arrived in Greece on Friday, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, he was presented a traditional Greek headdress by Indian community members. PM Modi received a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora as he landed in Athens for a one-day visit.


"Landed in Athens. Looking forward to a productive Greece visit aimed at deepening India-Greece friendship," PM Modi tweeted after he arrived in Greece from South Africa, where he attended the 15th BRICS Summit.


A headdress or stephane is a decorative wreath worn on the head. It can be seen on ancient Greek statues



Several Indian community members also welcomed PM Modi upon his arrival at Hotel Grande Bretagne with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi".


Outside the hotel, the Indian diaspora were seen waving the triclour and beating drums as PM Modi received a rousing welcome. "We feel great that PM Modi has come here. I am sure the PM's visit to Greece will raise the name of the country here," an Indian businessman told ANI.


"We have high expectations from PM Modi's visit to Greece...He is a very good Prime Minister who listens to everyone," said another member of the Indian community in Athens.


PM Modi's Packed Schedule In Greece


In Greece, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Greece counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis on ways to further deepen the relationship. He is also expected to meet President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.


The PM will also interact with business leaders from both countries, as well as with the Indian community in Greece. 



"He will also meet business leaders from both sides. Before departing he will interact with the community who are excited to see him after the success of the Chandrayaan mission. All in all a productive day ahead," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.


Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece after 40 years. The last high-level visit to Greece took place in September 1983 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi paid a visit to the country.