The proposal by retired Indian Air Marshal Anil Chopra to expand the existing Greece-Cyprus-Israel trilateral framework into a "Mediterranean QUAD" (or "Med QUAD") by including India has sparked lively debate in geopolitical circles, including Greek-language media and online discussions focused on Eastern Mediterranean security.
Published on January 22, 2026, in the EurAsian Times under the title "Mediterranean QUAD: Will India Join 3+1 Grouping To Counter 'Islamic NATO'? Can UAE Join In Amid Saudi Rift?", Chopra's op-ed builds on recent developments in regional alignments. He highlights the Greece-Cyprus-Israel trilateral military cooperation plan signed in late December 2025, which outlines joint air and naval exercises, training in unmanned systems and electronic warfare, strategic dialogue, and efforts to promote stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to the analysis, India has received a formal invitation from the three nations to participate in "3+1" summits and strategic forums. This invitation leverages India's already robust bilateral relationships: longstanding defense and technology ties with Israel, expanding maritime and security cooperation with Greece, and growing engagements with Cyprus (including high-level visits to strategic sites like the Vasiliko energy hub).
Chopra suggests this could evolve into a broader grouping, potentially incorporating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid reported tensions in Saudi-UAE relations. He frames the potential "Med QUAD" as a strategic response to an emerging "Islamic NATO" — a perceived bloc formed by advanced talks for Turkey to join the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). Such an alignment would combine Pakistan's nuclear capabilities, Turkey's military projection (including advanced drones and naval ambitions), and Saudi financial and resource support, posing challenges to the interests of India (vis-à-vis Pakistan), Israel, Greece and Cyprus (amid Eastern Med disputes), and others like Armenia.
Interest in Greek Media and Commentary
The idea has resonated particularly in Greek-speaking spaces, where commentators see it as reinforcing efforts to counter Turkish assertiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean — from EEZ and energy exploration disputes to actions in Cypriot waters.
Journalist Paul Antonopoulos (@oulosP) captured the buzz on January 22, 2026, posting:
Accompanied by flag emojis and visuals of the four nations, the post drew significant engagement, reflecting enthusiasm among those tracking regional realignments.
Similar discussions appear in Indian and international outlets (e.g., India Today noting a potential India-UAE-Israel axis extending westward), often linking it to broader shifts like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and defense interoperability.
Alignment with Current Regional Dynamics
This proposal fits within ongoing trilateral Greece-Israel-Cyprus initiatives emphasizing stability, prosperity, and peace under international law — themes echoed in recent summits and statements from leaders in Athens, Nicosia, and Jerusalem. It also complements Greece's firm positions on territorial waters (e.g., FM Nikos Dendias' recent reaffirmation of the right to extend to 12 nautical miles without accepting Turkish casus belli threats) and progress in Greece-Turkey "Positive Agenda" talks, while maintaining vigilance.
India's multi-alignment approach — deepening ties with Turkey's regional rivals while pursuing pragmatic relations elsewhere — makes participation plausible. No formal alliance or official commitments from governments in New Delhi, Athens, Nicosia, or Jerusalem have been announced as of January 23, 2026; the concept remains analytical and speculative.
If advanced — through expanded joint exercises, technology sharing, or a dedicated summit — a "Mediterranean QUAD" could enhance maritime security, energy route protection, and defense cooperation across these partners, contributing to a more balanced Eastern Mediterranean amid evolving global geopolitics.
India Greece Cyprus Israel alliance", "Islamic NATO counterFor the full op-ed: EurAsian Times - Mediterranean QUAD.
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