India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics Raisina Dialogue began in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greeke PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis attending the event on Wednesday.
Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. During his keynote address, the PM Mitsotakis said, “Today, India is a great power on the world stage, an important ally in the pursuit of peace and security, a rising force at the heart of the G20 and a leading player in the fight against Climate Change.”
Speaking on India-Greece relationship, PM Mitsotakis said that it is a moment to both, reflect upon and celebrate the strength of a partnership between India and Greece. “A partnership between two allies, two countries that share similar values. A partnership between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy.”
India and Greece don’t see democracy as a barrier but as an enabler for the better delivery of governance. But democracies are vulnerable, and we must be alert to emerging challenges and adapt our responses accordingly, he further added.
He said, “We are at a unique moment of mutually beneficial opportunity, one in which Greece, given its geographic, cultural and strategic proximity, can act as an interlocutor between India and Europe.”
Greece also extended support to the reform of the United Nations Security Council to bring countries like India onboard.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, were among the top dignitaries at the annual event.
EAM Dr Jaishankar said that India’s growing interest in the Mediterranean region is an important facet of our steady rise. “The India-Greece partnership can surely serve as an anchor.”