The upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Athens on August 25 was welcomed by the Greek Ambassador to New Delhi, Dimitrios Ioannou. According to WION, the ambassador stressed the visit’s significance, noting that the last Indian Prime Minister to Greece occurred in 1983 – 40 years ago.
With respect to India’s presence in the Mediterranean region, the ambassador acknowledged the expansion of India’s influence in global economics and politics.
In an interview with WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Athens, Ioannou said, “we have a very positive view of that kind of cooperation for peaceful and productive presence of India in the Eastern Mediterranean region and we highly value and appreciate a very principled stance of India on the Cyprus issue all these years.”
Ioannou further envisaged Greece as a conduit for fostering greater connectivity between India and the European Union. He articulated this strategic notion stating that, “the main idea is that Greece can become the gateway, the gateway for India to the European Union.”
On the front of security cooperation, Ioannou underscored the burgeoning trust underpinning the Greek and Indian military collaboration.
READ MORE: Modi’s visit to Athens – Greece-India trade, shipping, immigration and defence cooperation deals expected.
