Defense cooperation between Athens and New Delhi deepens as regional geopolitical alignments shift
At a time of intense geopolitical realignments across Greece’s wider neighborhood, relations between Athens and New Delhi are acquiring heightened strategic importance—particularly in the field of defense.
The broader region is marked by shifting alliances, regional rivalries, and emerging axes of influence, making select bilateral partnerships critical for stability and peace. Within this framework, Greece and India are significantly strengthening their strategic dialogue, with military relations entering a new phase.
This momentum was reflected in the recent visit of Greece’s Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, to India.
“The relationship with India is a strategic relationship,” Dendias stated following meetings in New Delhi and the signing of the first agreement with his Indian counterpart on defense industry cooperation.
The visit of Vice Admiral Eleftherios–Dimitrios Katara, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, also formed part of this broader framework of deepening ties.
According to informed sources, the two countries “perceive each other as strategic partners at the military level” in an ever-evolving international environment, particularly in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts further note that the Greece–India defense alignment should also be viewed in the broader context of trilateral cooperation involving Israel—a dimension reinforced during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to New Delhi.
Greece–India Defense Relations: A Multi-Level Expansion
Defense cooperation between Greece and India is now progressing along a steady and multi-layered trajectory. This includes:
- Successive high-level official visits
- The signing of structured Military Cooperation Programs (MCPs)
- Expanded joint operational activities across land, air, and sea
The navies of both countries have developed substantial communication channels through joint exercises and coordinated training, recognizing the importance of:
- Maritime security
- Protection of sea lines of communication
- Freedom of navigation
Greek naval experience in the Mediterranean and India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean create a natural field of shared strategic interest.
Key Exchange Visits
- 6–11 April 2024: The first official visit of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Demetrios Houpis, to India. On 8 April 2024, the first-ever Military Cooperation Program (MCP) for 2024 was signed, institutionally establishing bilateral military cooperation.
- 25–30 September 2024: The Chief of the Indian Navy visited Athens, confirming the mutual will to further strengthen naval ties.
- 22–27 June 2025: The Chief of the Indian Air Force paid an official visit to Athens, at the invitation of the Chief of the Hellenic Air Staff.
- 12 January 2026: The first Staff Talks between the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the Indian Inter-Services Defence Staff took place in New Delhi. The 2026 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, with particular emphasis on innovation and special operations.
- 16–19 February 2026: The Chief of the Hellenic Navy paid an official visit to India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
Joint Exercises and Operational Interconnection
Operational cooperation between the Armed Forces of both countries continues at bilateral and multinational levels.
Aircraft from both air forces participate in major exercises such as:
- Tarang Shakti 24 in India
- Iniochos in Greece
Joint naval exercises (PASSEX) have taken place in:
- The Aegean Sea
- The Eastern Mediterranean
- The Arabian Sea
- The Indian Ocean
Indian officers have also participated in training programs in Greece, reinforcing institutional interoperability.
Particular emphasis is placed on shared positions regarding maritime security and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), alongside recognition of the geopolitical significance of both the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Balancing in the Middle East
At the diplomatic level, Athens and New Delhi are closely monitoring the strategic convergence between Turkey and Pakistan.
Regional developments suggest the formation of new geopolitical platforms. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are reportedly exploring trilateral coordination, described in some analyses as an “Islamic NATO.”
Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently indicated that Greece, together with Israel and Cyprus—and potentially additional regional actors—could help shape a broader strategic alliance framework in the Middle East, serving as a counterweight to Ankara’s ambitions.
Greece’s Strategic Positioning
Through strengthened defense cooperation with India and expanded diplomatic engagement, Greece reinforces its role as a reliable and responsible interlocutor in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
By adhering to International Law, the Law of the Sea, and the UN Charter, Athens seeks to:
- Promote peaceful coexistence
- Strengthen regional stability
- Build long-term strategic partnerships
The deepening Greece–India relationship reflects not only bilateral interests but also a broader strategic convergence aimed at maintaining balance and stability across the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific.