India and Greece on Thursday discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defence and strategic cooperation, with a particular focus on maritime cooperation, coastal security and shipbuilding. The discussions took place during a meeting between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Greece’s Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Stefanos Gkikas, in New Delhi.
The Ministry of Defence said the two sides have common interests as prominent maritime nations, particularly in ensuring the safety and security of seafarers. Maritime cooperation was a key part of the discussions, reflecting the importance both countries attach to secure sea routes and greater coordination in the maritime sector.
Gkikas is visiting India to participate in Sagarmanthan, the Great Oceans Dialogue 2026. Ahead of his visit, he had met India’s Ambassador to Greece Ravi Shankar on October 1 and expressed Greece’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with India. The visit provides an opportunity for both sides to build on ongoing engagement in the maritime sector.
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Defence ties between India and Greece have expanded in recent years. The two countries established a Joint Working Group under their 1998 defence cooperation agreement in 2024, while their armed forces have also participated in joint exercises and other military engagements. Their broader strategic partnership was upgraded during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece in August 2023.
Air force cooperation has also developed through participation in multinational exercises. India took part in Greece’s INIOCHOS exercise, while the Hellenic Air Force participated in India’s Tarang Shakti exercise. In July 2026, Ambassador Ravi Shankar and Hellenic Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Demosthenes Grigoriadis also discussed ongoing cooperation between the two air forces.
The latest discussions add a maritime dimension to the expanding India-Greece strategic partnership, with shipbuilding and coastal security emerging as important areas of engagement. The two countries have also previously identified defence-industrial cooperation as an area for greater collaboration, including through a Joint Declaration of Intent signed in February 2026.
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