S Jaishankar holds talks with Greek PM Mitsotakis
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in New Delhi on Wednesday and expressed his appreciation for Mitsotakis’ dedication to improving ties between India and Greece.
In a post on X, S Jaishankar wrote, “Delighted to call on Prime Minister @kmitsotakis of Greece today. Valued his commitment to enhancing India-Greece ties. Look forward to the strengthening of our strategic partnership.’
Prime Minister of Greece is on a two-day state visit to India. He also accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Later in the day, both leaders will hold bilateral discussions, and Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.
Making a statement after the ceremonial welcome, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, “It is a privilege to be in India on an official state visit, reciprocating the visit of the Prime Minister to Greece a few months ago.
“For Greece, the strategic partnership between our two countries is of particular importance, and we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, including political consultations and strategic partnership, while also fostering our economic lives between our two economies,” he added.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis added, “I’m really looking forward to the discussions we will have as the Prime Minister.”
This is the first bilateral head-of-state level visit from Greece to India in 15 years.
The last prime ministerial visit from Greece to India took place in 2008.
On August 25, 2023 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Athens.
In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s visit is expected to further strengthen and deepen the strategic partnership between India and Greece.”
India-Greece relations were elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ during PM Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023. Mitsotakis will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens.