India and Greece have recently elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. The objective of this collaboration is to double trade, bolster defence and security cooperation, and address shared challenges. This crucial step was marked by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou awarding the Indian Prime Minister with “The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour”. Alongside, the Indian PM paid his respects at the ‘Tomb of Unknown Soldier’ in Athens.
Main Domains of Cooperation Under the Strategic Partnership
The key areas under the strategic partnership encompass defence and security, maritime security, culture and tourism, trade and investment, and Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA). The discussions extend over several fields such as digital payments, shipping, pharmaceuticals, and education.
The Significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Located in Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a war dedication to Greek soldiers who perished in numerous wars. Crafted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok, the tomb is perceived as a symbol of regard and tribute for the sacrifices made by unidentified soldiers.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour Explained
Following the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer, the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour is the second-highest civilian honour in Greece. Instituted in 1975, it bears the head of goddess Athena on its front, accompanied by the inscription “ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS SHOULD BE HONORED”. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have stood out in politics, diplomacy, culture, science, or social service, and advocated the interests and values of Greece.
India’s Historical and Contemporary Relationship with Greece
India’s historical connections with Greece trace back to over 2500 years ago. Beginning with Alexander the Great’s campaign in the 4th century BCE, diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties were detailed in Ashoka’s edicts. The cultural amalgamation is visible in Gandhara art, a fusion of Indian and Greek influences. At present, bilateral trade between India and Greece is at USD 2 billion in 2022-23, involving several main exports such as aluminum, organic chemicals, fish and crustaceans, iron and steel, mineral fuels, mineral oils and products, sulphur and aluminium foil.
Political and Defence Relations
Established in May 1950, diplomatic relations between India and Greece saw Greece opening its embassy in Delhi in 1950 and India reciprocating in Athens in 1978. They have consistently supported each other on key national interests, such as Kashmir and Cyprus. Defence relations between the two accelerated in 1998, covering military training, joint exercises, and defence industry collaboration.
Cultural Interactions and Influences
Greek Indologist Dimitrios Galanos spent 47 years in India translating many Hindu texts into Greek; a chair for Hellenic Studies named after him was established at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India in September 2000. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations also offers an annual scholarship for Greek students to study in India.
Greece: Significant Facts and Insights
Greece, located in southern Europe, boasts of a long Mediterranean coastline and shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Recognized as one of the oldest civilizations globally, it is considered the cradle of Western civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, theater, and the Olympic Games. With Athens as its capital, its government is a Parliamentary Republic, and the national language is Greek. The currency used is the Euro. Major geographical features include the Pindus and the Taurus mountains, the river Haliacmon (the longest in Greece), and Mount Olympus (Greece’s highest mountain).