Greece and India are strengthening their defense ties since the two countries signed a strategic partnership last year, during the Greek PM’s visit to New Dehli.
Recently, Greek and Indian naval forces conducted a joint naval drill after the IDEX & NAVDEX 25 international defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Participating in the exercise was the Greek Navy’s HS HYDRA, and the the Indian Navy frigate TARKASH.
This exercise took place in the Arabian Sea, where HS HYDRA is currently operating as part of the European Union’s EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, a defensive operation to protect precious global public goods; freedom of navigation, international trade and maritime security.
Last September India’s Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi visited Greece where he explored “strategic and operational ties” with his Greek counterparts.
“Discussions focused on strengthening strategic and operational ties, enhancing bilateral military cooperation, and tackling evolving maritime challenges through a collaborative approach towards a stable and secure Mediterranean and Indian Ocean Region,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.
Greece and India are strengthening their political defense ties
There’s a noticeable increase in military exercises, visits by high-level defense officials, and naval interactions between Greece and India. For example, the Indian Air Force participated in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise in Greece. Also, naval ships from both countries have engaged in maritime partnership exercises.
Greece and India signed their first-ever Defense Cooperation Agreement during the visit of General Dimitris Houpis, chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, to India. The partnership—which involves joint military exercises and activities with personnel and assets from all three branches of the armed forces, including special forces—marks a significant milestone in the two countries’ bilateral relations.
Greek fighter jets traveled to India last year in the first ever participation of the Hellenic Air Force in the multinational exercise, “Tarang Shakti.”
The agreement foresees the exchange of military personnel, as well as collaboration on matters of national intelligence, technology and innovation.
It follows a series of recent developments in Greek-Indian diplomatic and military ties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Athens in August 2023 was followed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ trip to New Delhi last February.
The two leaders agreed to deepen relations and create strategic partnerships in several areas, including cyber security and the economy.
For Greece, the India-Greece partnership will have a new powerful ally in India to counter the Turkey-Pakistan alliance in the Aegean and the SE Mediterranean.
Related: Greece Is India’s Gateway to the EU, Mitsotakis Says in New Delhi
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