Greece has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with India ahead of Deputy Minister Stefanos Gkikas’s visit to the country…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Greece remains committed to strengthening maritime cooperation with India, Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas said on Thursday ahead of his planned visit to India next week.
Gkikas conveyed the commitment during a meeting with India’s Ambassador to Greece, Ravi Shankar, in Athens, the Indian Embassy said.
“Ambassador Ravi Shankar called on Stefanos Gkikas, Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, today,” the Embassy said in a post on X.
The Embassy added that Gkikas was looking forward to his official visit to India to attend Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026.
The planned visit comes as India and Greece continue to expand cooperation across maritime and defence-related areas. Both countries have maintained regular engagement involving their respective armed forces, including through multinational military exercises.
On August 11, Shankar met General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral defence engagement between the two countries.
In July, the Indian ambassador also met Lieutenant General Demosthenes Grigoriadis, Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, to discuss ongoing cooperation initiatives between the Indian and Greek air forces.
The Indian Embassy said participation by the two countries in multinational air combat exercises had contributed to greater mutual understanding and partnerships.
India participates in INIOCHOS, an annual multinational air combat training exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, while Greece has participated in Tarang Shakti, the Indian Air Force’s biennial multinational air combat exercise.
“Ambassador Ravi Shankar met Lt Gen Mr Demosthenes Grigoriadis, Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff. He discussed ongoing cooperation initiatives between our two Air Forces. India’s participation in INIOCHOS and Greece’s in Tarang Shakti have fostered mutual understanding and partnerships,” the Embassy said on X.
Gkikas’s upcoming visit is expected to provide another opportunity for India and Greece to discuss maritime cooperation and wider issues concerning the oceans and shipping sector.
The maritime relationship is significant for both countries, which have longstanding links to shipping and the wider maritime economy. Greece is home to one of the world’s major merchant fleets, while India has been seeking to strengthen its role in global maritime trade and develop partnerships with other maritime nations.
The Great Oceans Dialogue brings together policymakers, maritime experts and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the global maritime sector.
Gkikas’s participation will add a Greek perspective to discussions on the future of oceans, maritime connectivity and cooperation.
The latest engagement also follows a series of high-level meetings between Indian and Greek officials, reflecting continued bilateral interaction in maritime, defence and other strategic areas.
