PolitySource: Indian Express
Strengthening India-Greece Strategic Partnership through Defence Cooperation
Wednesday, 11 February 2026
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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.
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