A key aspect of discussions during this visit will be the exploration of joint exercises and port visits
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff (CNS), has embarked on a four-day official visit to Greece, aimed at strengthening defence relations and deepening naval cooperation between the two nations. From September 26 to 29, 2024, Admiral Tripathi will engage with senior Greek defence officials, including Vice Admiral Dimitrios E Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HGNS), and Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Deputy Minister of Defence, to explore avenues for future collaboration, particularly in maritime security and joint training initiatives.

This visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Greece, which has gained momentum following several high-level diplomatic engagements, including the visits of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Athens in August 2023 and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to New Delhi in February 2024. These interactions paved the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, particularly defence.

During his visit, Admiral Tripathi will participate in a series of discussions with Greek defence leaders, including the Deputy Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, and the Chief of Defence Staff of Greece, General Dimitrios Choupis. The talks are expected to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime security, joint military training, and operational collaboration between the two navies. The goal is to enhance the interoperability of naval forces and foster mutual understanding between the defence establishments of both countries.

A key aspect of these discussions is likely to be the exploration of joint exercises and port visits, as both nations seek to build stronger maritime ties. India and Greece share a vital strategic interest in securing the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean regions, making this visit crucial for enhancing naval cooperation.

As part of the official itinerary, Admiral Tripathi will visit the Salamis Bay naval base, home to the Hellenic Naval Fleet, and the Hellenic Naval Academy. These visits will provide him with a firsthand look at Greece’s naval capabilities and training methodologies. The Hellenic Navy has planned several demonstrations to showcase its assets, allowing for a deeper understanding of the Greek naval framework and operational strategies.

Additionally, Admiral Tripathi will be hosted by Vice Admiral Kataras aboard the Georgios Averof, a renowned Hellenic naval museum ship, which holds great historical significance in Greece’s maritime history. This visit to the Averof will offer Admiral Tripathi a unique opportunity to gain insight into Greece's rich naval heritage and its longstanding tradition of maritime defence.

The visit by India’s Navy Chief comes at a pivotal moment in India-Greece relations, marked by increasing cooperation in both defence and economic sectors. A landmark development in the partnership was the first joint working group meeting on defence cooperation, held in July 2024, which laid the groundwork for closer ties between the two countries' armed forces. In September, the Indian Navy’s INS Tabar warship made a port call in Crete, and four Indian Air Force fighters participated in joint exercises with the Hellenic Air Force, further strengthening defence ties.

Moreover, Greece's strategic location near the Suez Canal, a crucial maritime chokepoint, and its proximity to Europe, makes it a key partner for India in the region. The ongoing discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), announced during the recent G20 Summit in India, place Greece at the heart of a new trade and transportation network that is expected to bolster India’s connectivity with Europe.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit to Greece represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to consolidate defence ties between India and Greece. Through high-level meetings, visits to naval assets, and discussions on joint initiatives, the visit is expected to enhance cooperation in maritime security, training, and defence industry collaboration.