New Delhi, February 6: Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held crucial discussions with Greece’s National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias on Friday. Dendias arrived in New Delhi for an official visit at the invitation of Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Following their meeting, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in welcoming Dendias on the social media platform X. He noted, “We had in-depth discussions on several important strategic and security issues. I appreciate his insights and assessments.”
Earlier in the day, Dendias mentioned that he was excited to meet both Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar during his visit.
Dendias also stated that he would participate in discussions on international developments and security issues at the India-European Union (EU) forum. Additionally, he plans to engage with stakeholders in Bengaluru, where the potential for collaboration between the Greek defense industry ecosystem and India’s defense sector will be explored.
Earlier this week, Dendias visited Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Under Secretary for Defense Policy Elbridge Colby.
At the conclusion of his Washington visit, Dendias commented on his meeting with Hegseth, stating that they discussed various broad issues related to his region, strategic challenges, and Greece’s efforts to modernize its armed forces under the “Agenda 2030.” He also highlighted several defense agreements with the U.S., including the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, and how these agreements would be implemented in the interest of the Greek armed forces.
Last month, a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress overcame a significant hurdle, placing the Eastern Mediterranean region at the center of U.S. foreign policy, with a particular focus on connectivity with India.
The “Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act” was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee with a vote of 45–2. Proponents argue that this bill strengthens the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic link between India, the Middle East, and Europe under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
The IMEEC was announced during the 2023 G20 summit, with support from the U.S. and other partner countries. The corridor aims to connect India to Europe through rail, ports, energy, and digital networks, with the Eastern Mediterranean serving as a key gateway for Europe.