PM Modi first Indian prime minister to visit Greece in 40 years: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a landmark visit to Greece, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in the country in 40 years. This visit is intended to strengthen India’s bilateral ties with Greece, and it comes at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
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Warm Welcome from Indian Community
As Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Greek capital of Athens, he was warmly greeted by the Indian community residing in Greece. They gave him with a traditional Greek headdress as a symbolic gesture of cultural exchange, symbolising the bridging of cultures and the deep ties that the two nations share.
Diplomatic Dialogues: Cementing Bilateral Relations
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is set to engage in crucial talks with his Greek counterpart, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The primary objective of these discussions is to further solidify the existing relationship between the two countries. The talks are expected to encompass a wide range of areas, including economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and people-to-people connections.
Meeting with Dignitaries: Strengthening Diplomatic Bonds
Apart from his meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Modi is also anticipated to have an audience with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou. This high-level encounter contributes to the building of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Economic Emphasis: Business Leaders and Indian Diaspora Interaction
Recognizing the importance of economic collaboration, PM Modi is scheduled to engage with prominent business leaders from both India and Greece. This interaction aims to foster deeper economic ties, promote investments, and explore avenues for trade growth between the two countries. Furthermore, the Prime Minister will also connect with the Indian diaspora in Greece, highlighting the role of this community in enhancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations.
Shared Civilization and Collaborative Endeavors
India and Greece share a history steeped in civilization and culture, which forms the foundation for their strong modern-day partnership. Recent years have witnessed the growth of cooperation in various sectors, notably maritime transport, defense, and trade. This visit seeks to build upon these existing collaborations and pave the way for further synergies.
Historical Significance
The last time a sitting Indian Prime Minister visited Greece was in September 1983, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi undertook a significant trip to the nation. PM Modi’s visit, which comes after a four-decade hiatus, marks a watershed moment in the two countries’ diplomatic relations and demonstrates India’s commitment to strengthening global ties.