The Chief of General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, General Dimitris Houpis, is scheduled to make a highly crucial diplomatic visit to New Delhi next week; the exact date of the visit has not yet been confirmed. In light of shifting global dynamics, this visit will be another step towards strengthening defence ties between Greece and India.

It is anticipated that Greece and India would sign a military cooperation programme for the first time, involving joint drills and operations involving soldiers and equipment from all three army branches as well as special forces. The defence relationship between Greece and India has strengthened recently, as both nations have participated in a number of military drills, including the Indian Air Force’s active involvement in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational

It is also planned to participate in international exercises like Tarang Shakti and Iniochos, which are coordinated by both Athens and New Delhi. Additionally, there will be a military personnel exchange as well as collaboration in information, technology, and innovation.

Along with his counterpart, General Anil Chauhan, and other senior officials, Houpis will also talk about security problems on a bilateral and regional level, including those pertaining to weapons. The Middle East and Greece’s involvement in the European Operation Aspides in the Red Sea—a region of great importance to New Delhi—will be the main topics of discussion, along with collaboration with the Indian Navy, Ukraine, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

As the main guest of this year’s Raisina conversation, former prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited New Delhi in February of this year. It is important to remember that during PM Modi’s visit to Greece in August of last year, the relationship between Greece and India was upgraded to a “Strategic Partnership.”

They are characterised by convergence on regional and global issues, common cultural values, a dedication to promoting economic progress, and cooperation in the security and defence, marine, and other domains. Additionally, the two nations have been closely collaborating in a number of multilateral platforms. Recall that on August 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Athens.