The importance of implementing the Corridor India— An east-Europeas well as the further strengthening of cooperation between Greece and India in shipping were at the heart of the meeting of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during the official visit of Mr. Gerapetritis to India between 5 and 7 February 20.

Specifically, as stated in a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the two ministers examined the full range of bilateral relations and the progress made in a variety of ongoing initiatives, in the context of the strategic partnership between the two countries, following his official visit. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Greece, in August 2023 and the official visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India, in February 2024.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including developments in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

“Ministers discussed the importance of implementing the East-European Economic Corridor, which will further enhance connectivity between continents“, The announcement says and adds:”Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized Greece’s strategic position as the physics and nearest India entry gate to Europe and beyond it“

Both sides have emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation in shipping, recognizing the important role that the two countries play in the sector.

“The two ministers emphasized that the issue of maritime security is an additional point of convergence between Greece and India, two naval nations. Mr Gerapetritritis reiterated Greece’s commitment to promoting the agenda for maritime security, one of the country’s priorities during the term of office as an elected member of the UN Security Council, as well as its readiness as holder of the largest trading fleet in the world“

Still, ‘They confirmed their strong commitment to international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as their compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, International Law and Pacific Resolution of Disputes“

The two ministers also welcomed the progress made in the context of defense cooperation.

They referred to the guidelines given by the two prime ministers “to support the strategic partnership from a strong economic relationship and to double bilateral trade by 2030. In this context, they underlined the importance of institutional mechanisms, such as the Mixed Financial Committee, for Effective promotion of commercial and investment relations. “

Specifically, Mr Gerapetritis referred to the launch of the Bombings Bureau in Mumbai, as well as the opening of Greek consulates in Mumbai and Bangalore. They also highlighted the importance of encouraging the private sector to establish direct flights between Greece and India, with the aim of, among other things, the most effective promotion of tourism and contacts between peoples.

Mr Gerapetritis underlined the economic benefits of promoting safe, organized and legal immigration. The two ministers agreed to work on the rapid conclusion of the corporate relationship agreement on immigration and mobility.

Finally, they mentioned this year’s 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. On the occasion of the anniversary, there will be a series of cultural events in both Athens and New Delhi.

The Foreign Minister, during his visit to India, also met with India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval.