The General Director of National Defence Policy and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defence, Dr. Konstantinos P. Balomenos, held a video conference on 14 January 2022 with his Indian counterpart Mr Somnath Ghosh (Joint Secretary of International Affairs/Ministry of Defence, India) in the context of the bilateral defence relations between Greece and India.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed ways to broaden defence cooperation through joint training activities, joint exercises and co-training at bilateral and multilateral level, as well as exchange of visits of high-level officials. In addition, the Indian side presented a summary of their country’s capabilities in the defence industry and the defence technical domain.

Dr Balomenos briefly referred to the current security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the challenges and risks in the wider MENA region, and highlighted the defence diplomacy initiatives promoted by Greece through bilateral and multilateral military cooperation. In addition, the importance of international law and dialogue, constructive attitude and cooperation between States, as means of resolving disputes in the context of international relations, was emphasised by both sides.

On the part of the Indian counterpart, the important role that Greece plays as a pillar of peace and stability in the wider region was acknowledged and it was pointed out that India expects our country to become one of its strongest allies within the EU.

The talks confirmed the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries, and at the same time, stressed the importance of further deepening the full range of bilateral relations between Greece and India.