Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias described the country’s relations with India as a major opportunity for Greece, particularly in defence innovation and technology, following his meetings in New Delhi.
On Monday, 9 February, Dendias held a bilateral meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, concluding his official visit to the Asian nation. Expanded talks involved both ministers and their delegations, focusing on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Dendias also met Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and toured India’s defence innovation ecosystem. He emphasised that Greece gained insight into India’s armed forces development, reforms, and strategic priorities.
The minister underlined the scale of India’s significance, noting its population of 1.4 billion and armed forces of nearly 1.5 million personnel. “We share military systems, including the Rafale fighter jets,” he said.
During his visit, Dendias signed an agreement on defence industry collaboration, the first of several anticipated deals between the two nations. He described the Greece-India relationship as strategic and long-term, with potential to reshape bilateral economic ties.
Dendias toured India’s Ministry of Defence Production Centre in New Delhi, attending presentations on defence technology collaboration with public and private sector innovation leaders. He stressed the importance of connecting major defence companies, innovation ecosystems, and startups between Greece and India.
He also highlighted the potential for joint exercises and permanent channels of contact between the armed forces of both countries.
Earlier, on Sunday, 8 February, Dendias visited Bangalore, touring defence facilities and India’s innovation ecosystem, meeting government and leading private companies developing advanced defence technologies.
In addition to defence-focused visits, Dendias attended the National Gallery of Modern Art, viewing the exhibition “Gikas: Journey to India” on Greek painter Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, and laid a wreath at India’s National War Memorial.
