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PolitySource: Indian Express

Strengthening India-Greece Strategic Partnership through Defence Cooperation

Wednesday, 11 February 2026
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Key Points

India and Greece have strengthened their partnership by signing a Joint Declaration of Intent on defence industrial cooperation and exchanging a Military Cooperation Plan for 2026. This collaboration enhances maritime security through the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, and positions Greece as a key gateway to Europe under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) framework.

Detailed Coverage

  • Joint Declaration of Intent: A structured five-year roadmap for long-term defence industrial cooperation was established.
  • The Military Cooperation Plan for 2026 outlines planned military engagements between their armed forces.
  • The cooperation aims to link India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with Greece’s defence reforms under Agenda 2030, expanding indigenous defence industries in both countries.
  • This formalization reflects India's broader strategy of diversifying defence partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.
  • Greece will position a Greek International Liaison Officer at the IFC-IOR to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and information sharing.
  • India and Greece have historical ties that trace back nearly 2,500 years, marked by trade links during the Mauryan Empire.
  • The bilateral relationship was formally elevated to a "Strategic Partnership" in August 2023.
  • Greece supports India's stance on Kashmir and its bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
  • India supports Greece’s position on the Cyprus issue.
  • Greece’s location in the Eastern Mediterranean is crucial for India to access the EU market.
  • Strengthening ties with Greece counterbalances the Turkey-Pakistan axis.
  • Both nations advocate for a rules-based international order, aligning their interests in maritime domains.
  • Bilateral trade is approximately USD 2 billion, much lower than India’s trade with other European nations.
  • The lack of direct shipping lines increases time and costs for Indian exports to reach Greece.
  • Reliance on the Piraeus port, which is controlled by a Chinese company, presents security concerns.
  • Accelerating the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will resolve connectivity issues.
  • India-Greece ties are evolving into a structured strategic partnership focused on defence, maritime security, and connectivity.
Polity

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