'India, Greece Are A Natural Match': PM Modi As Both Countries Elevate Ties To Strategic Level

PM Modi hails India-Greece alignment, with strong ancient ties. Visit strengthens strategic cooperation in defense, technology, education, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece's prime minister, left, shakes hands with Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, at the entrance of Maximos mansion, in Athens, Greece.

Source : Getty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 23) described India and Greece as a "natural match," adding that the two countries' ties are "ancient and strong." PM Modi's visit to Greece, the first in four decades, resonates with the enduring warmth of bilateral relations. Both leaders have now decided to elevate India-Greece relations to a strategic level, encompassing cooperation in defense, security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, technology, and skill development.

Held very fruitful talks with @PrimeministerGR @kmitsotakis in Athens. We have decided to raise our bilateral relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ for the benefit of our people. Our talks covered sectors such as defence, security, infrastructure, agriculture, skills and more. pic.twitter.com/guOk4Byzqk

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2023

#WATCH | Athens, Greece | PM Narendra Modi says, "Greece and India are a natural match between two ancient civilisations of the world, between two ancient democratic ideologieas and between two ancient trade and cultural relations. The foundation of our relation is ancient and… pic.twitter.com/nILbZQ6RHK

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2023

#WATCH | Athens, Greece | PM Narendra Modi says, "In the area of defence & security, we have agreed to empower military relations as well as the defence industry. Today, we held discussions over mutual cooperation in the area of terrorism and cyber security. We have decided that… pic.twitter.com/FiobNyC1eq

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2023

PM Modi's visit was punctuated by the conferral of the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, an acknowledgment of his contributions to enhancing the India-Greece partnership, by Greek President Katerina N Sakellaropoulou.

"An Indian Prime Minister has visited Greece after a 40-year absence. Nonetheless, the depth and warmth of our relationships have not diminished. As a result, the (Greek) Prime Minister and I have decided to elevate India-Greece relations to a strategic level," PM Modi stated.

"We have decided to strengthen our strategic partnership by increasing our cooperation in the areas of defence and security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, new and emerging technology, and skill development," PM Modi added.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi paid homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and received a ceremonial guard of honor. The bilateral discussions between the leaders highlighted the shared commitment to expanding cooperation, encompassing diverse areas such as maritime transport, defense, trade, investments, and people-to-people interactions. The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, presented to PM Modi, symbolises the depth of mutual respect and cooperation.

Glad to have met President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens. We discussed several issues which will strengthen the India-Greece friendship. We also discussed ways to boost sustainable development. She congratulated India on the success of Chandrayaan-3. @PresidencyGR pic.twitter.com/aoQFtKMdQq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2023

In his tweet of gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the Greek government, acknowledging the honor as a reflection of the esteem the people of Greece hold for India. The visit, which marked a significant milestone in diplomatic relations, culminated in delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

PM Modi tweeted, "I thank President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the Government, and people of Greece for conferring upon me The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour. This shows the respect the people of Greece have towards India."

#WATCH | Athens, Greece | PM Narendra Modi says, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people and President of Hellenic Republic for honouring me with The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour. I accepted this on behalf of 140 crore Indians and expressed my gratitude." https://t.co/i1DowtQKsr pic.twitter.com/BBQrPOTVXg

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2023