Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Athens: A New Era in Indo-Greek Relations
Photo: Reuters
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is set to embark on a momentous state visit to Athens on August 25, marking the first visit by an Indian head of government to Greece since 1983. This visit will not only be a historical milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, but it also reflects the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. Modi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a prominent figure of Hindu nationalism, is scheduled to meet his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during the visit. The meeting is expected to focus on a range of issues, including economic cooperation, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and regional security. The last state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Greece was by Indira Gandhi in 1983. The world has shifted dramatically in the four decades since, and so too have the prospects for Indo-Greek relations. Economic cooperation will likely be a major agenda item during Modi’s visit. In recent years, both India and Greece have been exploring avenues for increasing bilateral trade and investment. Given India’s significant growth as an emerging global power and Greece’s strategic location in Southeast Europe, there is immense potential for economic collaboration.
India, under Modi’s leadership, has been making strides in its ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at promoting the country as a global manufacturing hub. Conversely, Greece, recovering from its economic crisis, has been seeking foreign investments in sectors such as tourism, energy, and logistics. There is ample opportunity for collaboration, which can be further enhanced by a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of global health cooperation. Both India and Greece have faced significant challenges due to the pandemic. India, with its vast pharmaceutical industry, has played a vital role in the global supply of vaccines. On the other hand, Greece has made notable strides in its public health response and vaccination campaign. This visit could serve as a platform for the two nations to share their respective experiences and knowledge in managing the pandemic and to explore potential avenues for health cooperation, including vaccine development and distribution. Climate change is another critical issue that both leaders are expected to discuss. India, under Modi, has taken a proactive stance on climate issues with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. Greece, too, has been grappling with climate change impacts, especially wildfires. Both nations have a shared interest in promoting renewable energy and sustainable practices. Regional security, particularly in the context of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific region, will also be a key focus area. As Greece is a NATO member and India is increasingly involved in the Quad, discussions around security cooperation and maintaining a rules-based international order are expected. Modi’s visit to Athens is a historic occasion in Indo-Greek relations. It’s an opportunity to renew ties, strengthen cooperation, and work towards shared goals in an increasingly interconnected world. The visit underscores the significance of diplomacy in fostering international relations and establishing strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial and promote global stability.
By Roberto Casseli
