India and Greece Sign Landmark Defence Cooperation Declaration
In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, India and Greece officially signed a joint declaration of intent on Monday, focusing on strengthening defence industrial cooperation between the two nations. This pivotal agreement serves as a foundational step toward developing a comprehensive five-year roadmap aimed at enhancing the strategic partnership.
High-Level Bilateral Talks at Manekshaw Centre
The declaration was inked following extensive bilateral discussions between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic. The meeting took place at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, where both leaders emphasized the deep-rooted values underpinning the India-Greece Strategic Partnership.
During the talks, the ministers reiterated that this partnership is firmly grounded in shared principles of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect. They highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two ancient sea-faring nations, which further solidify their collaborative efforts.
Expanding Indigenous Defence Capabilities
A key outcome of the meeting was the mutual decision to expand the capacity of their respective indigenous defence industries. This will be achieved through a synergistic partnership between India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and Greece's defence reforms under the 'Agenda 2030' framework. The collaboration aims to foster self-reliance and technological advancement in defence manufacturing.
Additionally, a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026 was exchanged, outlining a detailed course for military engagements between the armed forces of both countries. This plan is expected to facilitate joint exercises, training programs, and knowledge sharing, thereby enhancing operational readiness and interoperability.
Enhancing Maritime Cooperation
The convergence between India and Greece on various critical maritime issues was a focal point of the discussions. In a post on X, Rajnath Singh welcomed the announcement of positioning a Greek International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram. This strategic move is designed to boost maritime cooperation and improve situational awareness in the Indian Ocean Region, benefiting both nations' security interests.
The Hellenic delegation, during their stay, visited key defence and industrial establishments in Bengaluru and engaged with defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), industry representatives, and start-ups in New Delhi. These interactions are aimed at exploring potential collaborations and fostering innovation in the defence sector.
Reaffirming Strategic Ties
This visit reaffirms the robust strategic partnership between India and the Hellenic Republic, which is built on a long-standing history of warm and close relations between the two countries and their peoples. Prior to the meeting, the Greek defence minister paid homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, symbolizing respect and solidarity.
The joint declaration and subsequent agreements mark a new chapter in India-Greece relations, with a clear focus on defence industrial growth, maritime security, and military collaboration. As both nations embark on this five-year roadmap, the partnership is poised to contribute significantly to regional stability and global peace.
