1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Mr. George Gerapetritis, paid an official visit to India on February 05-07, 2025, at the invitation of External Affairs Minister H.E. Dr. S Jaishankar.
2. The Ministers reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and the progress made on various ongoing initiatives under the strategic partnership between the two countries, following the Official Visit of Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi to Greece in August 2023, and the State Visit of Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India in February 2024.
3. They exchanged views on regional and global developments, including those in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
4. The Ministers discussed the importance of the realization of the India Middle- East Europe Economic Corridor, which will further strengthen connectivity across continents. Minister Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s strategic position as India’s natural and closest gateway to Europe and beyond.
5. Both sides agreed on the importance to further enhance cooperation in the shipping sector recognizing the important role of the two countries in the Maritime field. The Ministers highlighted maritime security as another point of convergence between Greece and India, both maritime nations. Minister Gerapetritis reiterated the commitment to advance the Maritime Security Agenda, as one of Greece’s priorities, during its term as an elected member of the UNSC. He also reiterated the readiness of Greece, holding the largest merchant fleet in the world.
6. Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to international law, and especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and their adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
7. Satisfaction was expressed for the progress achieved in the framework of defence cooperation.
8. The Ministers recalled the directions given by the two Prime Ministers to underpin the strategic partnership with a strong economic relationship and to double the volume of bilateral trade by 2030. In this context, they emphasized the importance of institutional mechanisms, such as the Joint Economic Committee, in effectively advancing trade and investment relations. Minister Gerapetritis referred to the activation of the Greek Commercial Office in Mumbai and the opening of Greek Consulates in Mumbai and in Bangalore. They also pointed out the importance to encourage the private sector to establish direct flights between Greece and India, also in order to more effectively promote tourism and people-to-people contacts.
9. Minister Gerapetritis underlined the economic benefits of promoting safe, orderly and regular migration. It was agreed to work for the speedy conclusion of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
10. The Ministers referred to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year between the two countries. A series of cultural events will be held both in Athens and New Delhi.
11. The Greek Foreign Minister also met with National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval during the visit.
February 7, 2025