India, Greece upgrade ties to ‘strategic partnership’

During the visit of Indian Prime Minster (PM) to Greece, both the countries has upgraded their relations to a ‘strategic partnership’ and pledged to double trade by 2030. 

Highlights of the visit:

• According to the statement came from PM, India will expand cooperation in defence, security, infrastructure, agriculture, education and emerging technologies.
• From now, India and Greece will have an institutional platform for dialogue between their national security advisers.
• The two sides further decided to speedily finalize a mobility and migration partnership agreement to facilitate skilled migration.
• Also both countries had decided to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the political, security and economic spheres.
• They also directed that both sides will work to double bilateral trade by 2030.

What does upgrading ‘strategic ties’ mean?

• A 'strategic relationship', as the term suggests, involves a shared understanding between the two or more states involved on the nature of threats in the environment and the place of their collective power in helping mitigate the threats.
• This does not amount to an ‘alliance’, meaning a deeper relationship in which the states are treaty bound to come to each other’s assistance in case of materialisation of a threat against any member state.

India-Greece Relations:

• Background:
  • India and Greece established diplomatic relations in May 1950. India opened its resident Embassy in Athens in March 1978.
• On International lines:
  • In modern times, the two countries have developed a warm relationship based on a common commitment to democracy, peace and development in the world and to a social system imbued with principles of justice and equality.
  • India and Greece also share common approaches to many international issues, such as UN reforms and Cyprus.
  • Greece has consistently supported India’s core foreign policy objectives.
  • Greece participated with India in the Six-National Delhi Declaration on Nuclear Disarmament in 1985.
• Bilateral Trade relations:
  • Bilateral trade will go up in 2017-18 due to projects, joint ventures and increasing trade.
  • The main items of Greece’s exports to India are cotton, scrap (mostly aluminium, ferrous, copper and lead), marble and granite, aluminium foils, calcium carbonate, kiwi fruits and greasywool.
• Indian Diaspora:
  • There are about 10,000 Indian nationals living in Greece. Most of them are farm, factory or construction workers or small entrepreneurs.
  • A few Indian professionals work in multinational organizations in banking, insurance and software sectors.
  • Indians are a law-abiding community and enjoy cordial relations and goodwill of the native Greek community.

Why Relations with Greece is significant for India?

• Geopolitical Balance: Both countries are strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Strengthening ties allows them to contribute to regional stability and balance in these regions.
• Maritime Cooperation: India's 'Act East' policy aligns with Greece's focus on maritime connectivity through its Blue Growth strategy. Enhanced cooperation can boost trade, investment, and connectivity along sea routes.
• Energy Security: Greece's role in the EastMed Gas Forum aligns with India's energy security interests. Collaborating in the energy sector can provide India with reliable sources of hydrocarbons.
• Cultural and Historical Ties: Ancient civilizations and shared cultural heritage foster cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people connections, strengthening diplomatic bonds.
• Counterterrorism and Security: Collaboration in counterterrorism and security matters is crucial to combat transnational threats and ensure regional stability.
• Diplomatic Support: Both countries often align in international forums, amplifying each other's voices on global issues like climate change, multilateralism, and global governance.
• Trade and Investment: Exploring trade diversification and investment opportunities can stimulate economic growth in both countries.
• Defence Cooperation: Military cooperation can enhance defence capabilities and exchange of expertise in areas like naval technology and cybersecurity.