In 2025, Greece and India complete 75 years of diplomatic relations and this is yet another opportunity to delve into a milestone that we will all remember.

This is noted, among other things, in the greeting of the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, which was read at the opening of the conference Horasis India Meeting Athens in collaboration with CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) of the Hellenic-Indian Chamber.

The minister mentions the following in his greeting:

“In a world subject to constant change – with our planet well into the age of climate crisis – in an international system in turmoil with wars and conflicts, humanity is constantly faced with new challenges. Challenges that call to us and require international cooperation. Greece and India are two democratic countries: the oldest and the largest. With all the strength of my mind and soul, I believe that we must not allow authoritarian and populist regimes to determine the future.

The responsibility of decision and response belongs and must be given by democracy. Because Democracy is the only one that can guarantee freedom, respect for individual and collective rights, solidarity, the continuous effort for prosperity and progress, green and sustainable development, the protection of the environment and social cohesion. And India is proof that democracy can work and be effective at any size, in any era: from the city-state, the Ancient Athens of a few thousand citizens, to your great country of 1.4 billion inhabitants.

Greece-India relations have entered a new trajectory after the recent visits of our leaders, the first in many years. Greece and India we strengthen bilateral relations and at the same time we participate creatively in multilateral processes, in international forums to solve contemporary problems.

The joint declaration provides for the strategic cooperation of the two countries in security and defense, investment, trade, science, technology, cyberspace, education, culture, tourism, agriculture.

Greece and India can and must be part of the solution, as we share and work for the great universal values ​​- with peace at the top – for a world without wars, displaced persons and people in danger. For a world that will be able to face the challenge of proper management of natural resources, their fair distribution, ensuring food and water, but also equal opportunities for development and progress.

The outlook is positive. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, the ‘IMEC project’ – launched by India during its G20 presidency – passes through where you are today.

Greece is at the crossroads of west and east, north and south. We are the gateway to Europe: we have the ports, the logistics infrastructure and, of course, Greek shipping. And we want cooperation with you in all areas. High technology, artificial intelligence – where your great country has achieved real miracles – the exchange of know-how and workforce.’

In addition, the greeting notes that in 2025 Greece and India will close 75 years of diplomatic relations and continues: “This is another opportunity to delve into a milestone that we will all remember. Why, we have much to do together. As Ursula von der Leyen has stated for the European Union, strengthening and stimulating the partnership with India is a priority for the coming decade.

The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has said that strengthening our partnership with India should be a cornerstone of Europe’s foreign policy.

We are moving forward, we are moving forward together, because relations between Greece and India are not a diplomatic endeavor – they are a celebration of our humanity. Together, we can build a brighter future for our people and contribute positively to the global community.”