strategic partnership.

Announcing the decision in Athens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said two countries will collaborate in the field of the defence industry and will soon conclude an agreement on migration mobility to smoothen movement of skilled population of both sides.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his comments expressed commitment to freedom of navigation and said there are “concerns” in this regard in both the Eastern Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Greece maintained diplomatic relations, albeit they were not extensively discussed in the global context.

Key points

Diplomatic Ties: India and Greece established diplomatic relations in 1950. While the relations were generally friendly, they were not as prominent or well-known as India's relations with some other countries.

Economic and Trade Relations: Trade between India and Greece had been modest, but there were efforts to enhance economic cooperation. Both countries explored opportunities for trade in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and information technology.

Cultural and Historical Ties: Both India and Greece have rich ancient civilizations and historical significance. The two countries shared cultural ties through their ancient histories and philosophical heritage.

Tourism and People-to-People Contacts: Greece is a popular tourist destination, and Indian tourists have shown interest in visiting the country due to its historical sites, stunning landscapes, and Mediterranean culture. Tourism and people-to-people contacts have contributed to fostering cultural exchange.

Maritime Cooperation: Given their geographical locations, both India and Greece had interests in maritime security and trade routes. While concrete cooperation might not have been extensively reported, the two countries could potentially collaborate in areas of maritime security and counter-piracy efforts in the Indian Ocean region.

International Forums: India and Greece interact on international forums and organizations, including the United Nations and various multilateral platforms, where they share common interests and concerns.

Diaspora and Student Community: There is a small Indian community in Greece, consisting of professionals and students. The Indian diaspora can play a role in strengthening cultural exchange and economic ties between the two countries.

Bilateral Visits: Over the years, leaders from both countries made occasional visits to each other to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for cooperation.

It's important to note that relations between countries can evolve over time due to various factors, including geopolitical changes and shifting priorities.

Discuss the significant upgradation of India’s relation with Greece from bilateral to strategic.