Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic agenda continues with his official visit to Greece on August 25, 2023, following his attendance at the 15th BRICS summit in South Africa. Notably, this visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had set foot in Greece in four decades.
India-Greece Bilateral Relationship
The bilateral relationship between India and Greece rests upon deep-rooted civilizational ties, which have been further reinforced in recent years through collaborations across maritime transport, defense, trade, investments, and people-to-people connections.
Historical Linkages: Tracing Ancient Connections
The historical connections between India and Greece date back over 2500 years. Remarkably, trade interactions between the Mauryan Kings of India and Greece are substantiated by coinage and writings from that era. The expedition led by Alexander the Great in 326 BC had profound implications, bringing him to the North-Western region of the Indian subcontinent, where significant engagements with local rulers like King Porus took place. Even earlier, the writings of Chanakya in the Arthashastra acknowledge the presence of a Yavan Ambassador named Megasthenes in the Indian Kings’ court, a testament to the diplomatic exchanges of the time. The amalgamation of Indian and Greek influences is evident in the unique Gandhara art style.
Political Linkages: Diplomatic Ties
Formal diplomatic relations were established between the two nations in May 1950, with the opening of Greek and Indian embassies in each other’s capitals. Notably, Greece’s stance on issues like Jammu and Kashmir reflects India’s concerns, while Greece also supports India’s aspirations for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.
Trade & Commerce: Flourishing Economic Partnership
The economic ties between India and Greece have seen remarkable growth, with two-way trade surging from $507 million in 2016-17 to $1.94 billion in 2022-23. Notably, key Indian exports to Greece encompass aluminum, organic chemicals, fish, crustaceans, iron, steel, plastic, and textile articles. Conversely, Greece primarily imports items such as aluminum foil, mineral fuels, mineral oils, products of distillation, sulfur, lime, and cement from India.
Defense Cooperation: Strengthening Defense Ties
Collaboration in the defense sector received a significant boost following the visit of India’s Defense Minister to Greece in 1994. The ensuing years have witnessed consistent cooperation on defense-related matters. In July 2023, the Indian Navy’s INS Chennai naval ship undertook a Passage Exercise with a Hellenic Naval Ship in the Aegean Sea, further exemplifying the depth of defense collaboration.
Science & Technology: Mutual Collaboration in Space and Beyond
An Agreement on Science & Technology, signed in April 2007, has been pivotal in encouraging and supporting collaborative efforts in this sphere. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists actively participated in the 44th Committee on Space Research assembly at Athens in July 2022, paving the way for potential space-related cooperation between the two nations.
Cultural Affinities: Bridging Historical and Scholarly Connections
The cultural ties between India and Greece are enriched by figures like Dimitrios Galanos and Nicholas Kazanas. Dimitrios Galanos, a Greek scholar, achieved fame as the first European Indologist due to his translations of Sanskrit texts into Greek, thereby facilitating the exchange of philosophical and religious ideas. This cultural exchange is further bolstered by the establishment of the “Dimitrios Galanos” Chair for Hellenic Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Nicholas Kazanas, another Greek Indologist, was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by India.
Indian Community: Thriving Community and Diaspora
The Indian community in Greece, predominantly from Punjab and notably Sikhs, has a notable presence. While the 2011 Greek census recorded approximately 11,333 Indians, the current estimates place their numbers between 13,000 and 14,000. This vibrant community contributes to the multicultural fabric of Greece.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, significant developments took place:
- Conferment of Honor: PM Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by the President of Greece, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this prestigious honor.
- Elevated Bilateral Ties: Both leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of a “Strategic Partnership,” encompassing political, security, and economic dimensions.
- Trade Aspirations: Acknowledging the recent growth in trade engagement, leaders aimed to double bilateral trade by 2030, emphasizing their commitment to fostering economic ties.
- Institutional Dialogues: The two nations committed to instituting an institutional dialogue framework led by National Security Advisers, further enhancing collaboration on defense and security matters.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How have the historical linkages between India and Greece influenced their present-day bilateral relations and collaborative efforts?
- In what ways has the economic partnership between India and Greece evolved, and how do the countries plan to further enhance trade ties by 2030?
- Elaborate on the significance of the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour conferred upon Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Greece.
- How can the elevation of bilateral ties to a “Strategic Partnership” contribute to the security and stability of the region, and what areas are likely to benefit the most from this partnership?