FM Gerapetritis' visit to India strengthens strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation
During his meeting with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, they reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and the progress made on various ongoing initiatives under the strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to an MFA announcement, they also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including those in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
Gerapetritis and Jaishankar discussed the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, emphasizing its role in enhancing intercontinental connectivity. Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s strategic position as India’s natural and closest gateway to Europe and beyond.
Both sides agreed on the importance of further enhancing cooperation in the shipping sector. The FMs highlighted maritime security as another point of convergence between Greece and India. Gerapetritis reiterated the commitment to advance the Maritime Security Agenda, as one of Greece’s priorities, during its term as an elected member of the UNSC. He also reiterated the readiness of Greece, holding the largest merchant fleet in the world.
Gerapetritis and Jaishanka, according to MFA announcement, reaffirmed their strong commitment to international law, and especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and their adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The Greek and Indian Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in the framework of defence cooperation.
They also recalled the directions given by the two Prime Ministers to underpin the strategic partnership with a strong economic relationship and to double the volume of bilateral trade by 2030. In this context, they emphasized the importance of institutional mechanisms, such as the Joint Economic Committee, in effectively advancing trade and investment relations. Gerapetritis referred to the activation of the Greek Commercial Office in Mumbai and the opening of Greek consulates in Mumbai and in Bangalore. They also pointed out the importance of encouraging the private sector to establish direct flights between Greece and India, also in order to more effectively promote tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Gerapetritis also highlighted the economic benefits of promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration. Both sides agreed to work toward the swift conclusion of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
They also referred to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year between the two countries. A series of cultural events will be held both in Athens and New Delhi. Gerapetritis also met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the visit.
AMNA
