New Delhi – India and Greece are reinforcing their strategic partnership with a strong emphasis on defense and economic cooperation, as highlighted during recent bilateral talks between the two nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, in New Delhi on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent, designed to bolster defense industrial cooperation between India and Greece. This declaration initiates a five-year roadmap aimed at expanding collaboration between India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and Greece's defense reforms under 'Agenda 2030,' with a focus on enhancing indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Both sides also exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026, outlining future military engagements and cooperation between their armed forces. Discussions encompassed a wide array of issues related to regional peace and security, with both ministers acknowledging the deepening of bilateral defense cooperation and strategic ties. The convergence of these two ancient seafaring nations on key maritime issues was also a focal point.
In a move towards strengthened maritime cooperation, Greece announced the posting of a Greek International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.
Prior to the meeting, the Greek Defence Minister paid tribute at the National War Memorial, honoring India's fallen soldiers, and inspected a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre. The Hellenic delegation also visited key defense and industrial establishments in Bengaluru, interacting with Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), defense industry stakeholders, and start-up representatives.
Speaking at the India-EU Forum 2026 on Saturday, Mr. Dendias described India as an indispensable partner for Europe, highlighting New Delhi's growing strategic and economic importance for the European Union and Greece.
In January of this year, India and Greece held the inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks in New Delhi, marking a step towards institutionalizing defense cooperation. Furthermore, in September 2025, the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy conducted their first bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. The exercise included a harbour phase at Salamis Naval Base followed by a sea phase and saw the participation of the Indian Navy's guided missile stealth frigate INS Trikand.
These recent engagements and agreements signal a notable strengthening of the India-Greece Strategic Partnership, built upon a foundation of a long-standing and warm relationship between the two countries and their people.