Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) Mr. Nikos Dendias to India (March 22-23, 2022)

At the invitation of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, H.E. Mr. Nikos Dendias paid an official visit to India on 22-23 March 2022. This was his first visit to India.

The Foreign Minister of Greece met EAM for delegation level talks on 23 March 2022. The Greek side congratulated India on 75 years of its Independence. EAM congratulated the Greek side on the 200 years of the start of their war for independence.

India and Greece share close and friendly ties, which are based on shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law. Our bilateral relations are marked by rich civilizational linkages. These ties are characterized by frequent high-level visits including that of Hon’ble President of India to Greece in 2018, Greek FM to India in 2017 and EAM’s visit to Greece in June 2021.

Both sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties between the two countries. The two Ministers expressed hope that the 8th round of Joint Economic Committee Meeting scheduled at Athens on 15 April 2022 will provide further impetus to trade and investment ties. They appreciated that trade has shown a significant increase, and has crossed US$ 1 billion despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Both sides agreed to work together to further enhance collaboration in mutually beneficial sectors such as shipping & maritime, information technology, agriculture, new & renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Both sides shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest in the context of new geo-political and geo-economic realities. Developments pertaining to the European Union, Eastern Mediterranean, Afghanistan and Ukraine were discussed. The two sides conveyed their deep commitment to multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. They reaffirmed the importance of the urgent reform of the UN. It was also agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations would be scheduled soon.

Both sides noted the importance of movement of people in an orderly and legal way and signed a Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility.

Considering their rich ancient past, the two sides agreed to continue their relationship in the field of culture and education. A Cultural and Education Exchange Programme for the five year period 2022-2026 was signed during the visit.

The Greek Foreign Minister handed over the Instrument of Ratification of Greece as a signatory to the Framework Agreement on International Solar Alliance.

The two sides discussed the possibility of enhancement of the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

Detailed discussions were held on the importance of keeping our oceans free and open for movement and trade. Both sides also underlined the need to support and adhere to the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS).

During his visit, the Greek Foreign Minister also called on Hon’ble Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu.

The visit of Foreign Minister of Greece has contributed to sustaining the momentum of high-level exchanges aimed towards further consolidating the bilateral relations between India and Greece.

MEA