The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy, Costas Fragogiannis, described yesterday’s visit by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “justly historic” which was sealed by the overall upgrading of the bilateral relations between Greece and India and the new strategic partnership, in an article in the newspaper TA NEA Savvatokyriako

“It is known”, says Mr. Fragogiannis, “that Greece and India traditionally share strong feelings of friendship, based on common values. We stand out for our strong commitment to international law, especially the law of the sea, and for our deep belief in dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

Regarding the new, upgraded Greece-India Strategic Partnership, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that “our country achieves a more systematic and targeted cooperation with one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world, and a country with an important role on the international stage”. ‘

He points out that “the choice of the Indian Prime Minister to be in our country is an explicit recognition of the stronger presence and upgraded role of Greece internationally. A goal that the Greek government methodically served during the previous four years and continues to serve, for the benefit of the Greek citizens.”

Referring to the discussions between the two Prime Ministers regarding bilateral economic relations and the prospects of strengthening commercial transactions and investments on both sides, Mr. Fragogiannis highlights the importance of India’s high interest as he points out that the Indian Prime Minister was accompanied to his meetings by 8 leading businessmen of the country , operating in the food, construction, pharmaceutical, tourism sectors as well as the head of India’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. “Let’s not forget that for India, Greece is a gateway to Europe,” he explains. At the same time, he also points out the special importance for our country, the strengthening of economic relations with India, and as his personal ambition, due to the huge market it has for Greek products and services: “Why can Greek companies invest in India, leveraging its technological development, available labor force and local market. And why are Indian companies interested in investing in Greece, thus approaching Europe and at the same time strengthening the Greek economy”.

“The greatest prospects for synergies and collaborations” as the Deputy Minister explains “are found in research and technology, due to India’s high expertise in the sector as well as in Renewable Energy Sources, which are a high priority both for the two countries and globally. And of course, the field of shipping and maritime security has traditionally been a field of enhanced bilateral cooperation, where there are also opportunities to exploit innovation and new technologies.”

Finally, Mr. Fragogiannis, referring to the upcoming business mission to India planned by the Economic Diplomacy for the coming months, following the meetings held in Athens between Greek and Indian leading businessmen, expresses the hope that we will “promote targeted collaborations and business ventures , which will practically strengthen our bilateral economic relations”.