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.
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.
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."