India and Greece have taken a significant step by upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership. The partnership aims to double trade, enhance defence and security collaboration, and address shared challenges.On this occasion, the Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou conferred the Prime Minister(PM) of India with “The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour”.The Indian PM paid tribute at the ‘Tomb of Unknown Soldier’ in Athens.
Main Areas of Cooperation Under the Strategic Partnership
Defence and Security
- India and Greece agreed to intensify their defence and security cooperation, especially in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and the defence industry.
- Decided that there should also be an India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisors (NSAs).
Maritime Security and Adherence to International Law
- As leaders of two ancient sea-faring nations with a long-standing maritime outlook, they shared their vision of a free, open and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific, in accordance with the law of the sea, in particular the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation to the benefit of international peace, stability and security.
Culture and Tourism
- Both leaders welcomed efforts to promote exchanges in all forms of art.
- They also agreed to encourage joint efforts in preserving and protecting ancient sites and strengthen cooperation within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Trade and investment
- The two countries also aimed to double bilateral trade by 2030. They agreed to explore new opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and innovation.
Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA)
- Both leaders agreed that an early finalization of an MMPA would be mutually beneficial, facilitating in particular the free movement of the workforce between the two countries.
- Broad Spectrum of Collaboration:
- Discussions span various domains, including digital payments, shipping, pharmaceuticals, and education.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece.
- It is dedicated to Greek soldiers who lost their lives in various wars.
- The tomb serves as a symbol of remembrance and honour for the sacrifices made by anonymous soldiers.
- It was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok.