Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's one-day official visit to Greece's capital, Athens, comes on the heels of his participation in the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. This visit, at the invitation of Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Upon his arrival in Athens, PM Modi was warmly received by the Indian diaspora, who eagerly awaited his visit. Visuals of the event showcased the diaspora's enthusiastic welcome, complete with posters and patriotic dancing.
Highlighting the importance of the visit, Modi stated that his trip to Greece after a span of 40 years heralds the beginning of a new era in the multifaceted relationship between India and Greece. He emphasized the historical ties between the Indian and Greek civilizations, which date back over two millennia, as well as the modern-day connections that are built upon shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and pluralism.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi engaged in a series of significant activities. He paid homage to the unknown soldier by visiting the tomb and engaged in restricted and delegation-level talks with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Both leaders addressed a business meeting, underlining the potential for cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, defense, culture, and people-to-people contacts. This visit further solidifies the growing closeness between the two nations and their mutual commitment to deepening their bilateral relations.
Notably, PM Modi's participation in the BRICS Summit prior to his visit to Greece was also of significant importance. The summit brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss global issues and collaboration. The summit marked a historic event, as it was held in-person after a gap of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the summit, Modi expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the productive nature of the discussions and the welcoming of new countries into the forum. He expressed gratitude to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa for their hospitality during the event.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greece's Athens after the BRICS Summit underscores the importance of fostering strong diplomatic ties between nations. The visit not only celebrates the historical connections between India and Greece but also paves the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, further strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. This visit serves as a testament to India's commitment to global diplomacy and cooperation for the greater good.
