India and Greece Strengthen Defence Ties and Security Collaboration
India and Greece have engaged in extensive discussions focusing on security cooperation and defense-industrial collaboration. This move highlights India’s evolving strategy to establish long-term global partnerships that integrate strategic, economic, and defense interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized India's progression towards establishing “future-ready” trade agreements, positioning the country as a trusted and stabilizing global ally. He noted that recent deals with significant economic entities and nations, such as the European Union and the United States, are gaining international attention for their potential to enhance global economic resilience and stability.
Modi described these agreements as reflecting India’s dedication to constructive engagement, moving beyond traditional bilateral relationships by aligning economic diplomacy with broader strategic goals.
High-Level India–Greece Defence Dialogue
In this context, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Greece’s Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, in New Delhi for in-depth talks on strategic and security matters. Dendias visited India following an invitation from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Jaishankar welcomed his Greek counterpart, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their discussions, which included regional and international security issues and the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation. Officials indicated that the dialogue highlighted mutual interests in maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific and the broader Mediterranean regions.
Defence-Industrial Cooperation in Focus
During his visit, Dendias emphasized Greece’s interest in pursuing defense-industrial cooperation with India. He identified prospects for collaboration between Greek defense sectors and Indian manufacturers, advocating for an agenda that strengthens capabilities through industrial partnerships, technology exchange, and joint initiatives.
The Greek minister also engaged in the India–EU Forum activities, highlighting Athens’ desire for closer collaboration with New Delhi within the broader European framework.
Trade, Security and Strategic Alignment
The discussions occurred shortly after the signing of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which Modi hailed as a significant step in India’s mission to establish resilient trade networks and solidify its status as a dependable international partner. This agreement aligns with India’s strategy of integrating economic cooperation with security and strategic coordination.
Experts observe that the India–Greece engagement signals a gradual but intentional shift in India’s foreign policy, emphasizing cooperative security, defense-industrial collaboration, and strong trade connections as complementary pillars of long-term relationships.
The discussions underscore India’s intention to collaborate with like-minded countries to encourage stability in an increasingly complex global landscape, while simultaneously advancing strategic interests and economic growth.
