9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

India and Greece to Enhance Defence Cooperation in New Delhi

India and Greece to discuss enhanced defence cooperation at New Delhi meeting.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to meet in New Delhi to discuss enhancing cooperation in the defence sector. This follows increased momentum in defence ties between the two countries, including joint services staff talks and a maiden bilateral maritime exercise in 2025. Dendias highlighted India's growing strategic and economic importance for Europe and Greece.

Key Facts

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to meet in New Delhi.

The meeting aims to enhance cooperation in the defence sector.

India and Greece held the inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks in New Delhi in January 2026.

The Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy conducted their maiden bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea in September 2025.

Nikos Dendias described India as an indispensable partner for Europe at the India-EU Forum 2026.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral agreements and their impact

GS Paper 3: Security - Defence cooperation and its strategic implications

Potential for statement-based questions on India-Greece relations and their historical context

Visual Insights

India and Greece: Enhanced Defence Cooperation

Map showing the locations of India and Greece, highlighting their strategic importance and the recent agreement on enhanced defence cooperation.

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📍India📍Greece

More Information

Background

The relationship between India and Greece has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient times with cultural and philosophical exchanges. The modern diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1950. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved, focusing on trade, culture, and political cooperation. Both countries share common values of democracy and a commitment to a rules-based international order. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Greece. This includes increased cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber security. The growing convergence of interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific regions has further propelled the need for closer collaboration. India's Act East Policy and Greece's strategic location in Europe make them natural partners. Defence cooperation is a key pillar of the India-Greece strategic partnership. This involves regular dialogues, joint exercises, and training programs. The focus is on enhancing interoperability and building mutual trust. The recent agreement to conduct a maiden bilateral maritime exercise in 2025 is a significant step in this direction. Such exercises help in sharing best practices and enhancing maritime domain awareness. Greece's support for India's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council reflects the growing strategic alignment between the two countries. Both nations are committed to promoting multilateralism and addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. The enhanced defence cooperation is expected to further strengthen the overall bilateral relationship.

Latest Developments

The meeting between the Defence Ministers of India and Greece signifies a growing strategic convergence between the two nations. This is part of India's broader strategy to strengthen defence partnerships with key countries in Europe. The focus is on enhancing military capabilities and promoting regional security. India's increasing engagement with European countries is also driven by the need to diversify its defence procurement sources. Traditionally, India has relied heavily on Russia for its defence needs. However, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted the importance of having multiple suppliers. This diversification strategy aligns with the government's Make in India initiative to promote domestic defence production. The proposed maritime exercise in 2025 is a significant step towards enhancing maritime security cooperation. This exercise will focus on interoperability and joint operations in the Indian Ocean region. It will also help in building mutual trust and understanding between the two navies. Such exercises are crucial for maintaining stability and security in the region. Looking ahead, India and Greece are expected to further expand their cooperation in areas such as defence technology, joint research and development, and co-production. This will not only strengthen their bilateral relationship but also contribute to regional peace and stability. The enhanced defence cooperation is a win-win situation for both countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the India-Greece defence cooperation for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, remember that India and Greece are enhancing defence cooperation. Key events include the India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks in January 2026 and a maritime exercise in September 2025. Note that the current focus is on deepening strategic ties and military capabilities.

Exam Tip

Focus on dates and the nature of exercises for prelims.

2. Why is the India-Greece defence cooperation in the news recently?

The India-Greece defence cooperation is in the news because the Defence Ministers of both countries are meeting in New Delhi to discuss enhancing cooperation in the defence sector. This follows increased momentum in defence ties, including joint staff talks and a maritime exercise.

3. What is the historical background of India-Greece relations relevant to the current defence cooperation?

India and Greece have deep historical roots dating back to ancient times with cultural and philosophical exchanges. Modern diplomatic relations were established in 1950. Both countries share common values of democracy and commitment to rules, which forms the basis for current cooperation.

4. How might enhanced defence cooperation with Greece impact India's strategic interests in Europe?

Enhanced defence cooperation with Greece can strengthen India's strategic presence in Europe. As Nikos Dendias highlighted, India's growing strategic and economic importance for Europe makes this partnership valuable. It supports India's broader strategy to build defence partnerships with key European countries, enhancing military capabilities and promoting regional security.

5. What are the recent developments in India-Greece relations?

Recent developments include the scheduled meeting between the Defence Ministers of India and Greece in New Delhi to enhance defence cooperation. This follows the inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks in January 2026 and the maiden bilateral maritime exercise in September 2025.

6. What are the important dates to remember regarding India-Greece defence cooperation?

Key dates to remember are September 2025, when the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy conducted their maiden bilateral maritime exercise, and January 2026, when the inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks were held in New Delhi.

Exam Tip

Create a timeline to remember the sequence of events.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent developments in India-Greece relations: 1. India and Greece are scheduled to conduct their maiden bilateral maritime exercise in 2025. 2. The meeting between the Defence Ministers aims to enhance cooperation primarily in the economic sector. 3. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias highlighted India's diminishing strategic importance for Europe. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The news summary explicitly mentions that India and Greece are scheduled to conduct their maiden bilateral maritime exercise in 2025. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The meeting between the Defence Ministers aims to enhance cooperation in the DEFENCE sector, not primarily the economic sector. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Nikos Dendias actually highlighted India's GROWING strategic and economic importance for Europe and Greece, not diminishing.

2. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the historical context of India-Greece relations? 1. Modern diplomatic relations between India and Greece were established in 1950. 2. There is no evidence of cultural or philosophical exchanges between India and Greece in ancient times. 3. Greece has consistently opposed India's bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: As mentioned in the background, modern diplomatic relations between India and Greece were established in 1950. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: There is ample evidence of cultural and philosophical exchanges between India and Greece in ancient times. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Greece supports India's bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

3. In the context of enhanced defence cooperation between India and Greece, consider the following statements: 1. The cooperation aims to enhance interoperability and build mutual trust between the armed forces. 2. The enhanced defence cooperation is expected to primarily focus on land-based military exercises. 3. This cooperation is partly driven by India's need to diversify its defence procurement sources. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The background and current developments highlight that the cooperation aims to enhance interoperability and build mutual trust. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While all forms of defence cooperation are possible, the news specifically mentions a maiden bilateral MARITIME exercise, suggesting a focus on naval cooperation. Statement 3 is CORRECT: India's need to diversify its defence procurement sources is a driving factor, as mentioned in the current developments.