Greece, India to sign 1st-ever defence cooperation deal

Greece and India will sign their first-ever defence cooperation agreement, local media reported on April 4.

Anadolu reports, citing Kathimerini Daily, that the partnership will involve joint military exercises and activities with personnel and assets from all three branches of the armed forces, including special forces.

The two countries’ militaries will participate in each other’s large-scale national exercises and take part in international exercises in Athens and New Delhi, it added.

The daily said the agreement also foresees the exchange of military personnel and collaboration in national intelligence, technology and innovation matters.

This comes following a series of recent developments in Greek-Indian diplomatic and military ties, with the leaders of the two countries agreeing to deepen relations and create strategic partnerships in many areas.

Against this backdrop, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Dimitrios Houpis, will travel to India next week to meet with his Indian counterpart Gen. Anil Chauhan and other high-ranking officials.

The daily added that, apart from defence matters, the visit is expected to discuss a collaboration between the Greek and Indian Navy and the prospect of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).