A meeting with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, with the discussion focusing on bilateral relations in the energy sector, the prospects for the development of the IMEC corridor, and Greece’s role.
“Greece and India are united by shared values, a deep respect for democracy, peace, and stability, as well as a commitment to the principles of international law,” noted Mr. Papastavrou, emphasizing that “in the current geopolitical context, India plays a key role in ensuring regional stability, freedom of navigation, and the security of supply chains in the broader Indo-Pacific region.”
He emphasized that the two countries maintain frequent high-level contacts and exchanges, which strengthens the political momentum of the Strategic Partnership, noting that “bilateral relations began to gain momentum following the historic visit—the first in 40 years—by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Athens in 2023, as well as the visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India in February 2024.” He also referred to the 14th round of bilateral political consultations in New Delhi and the promotion of a Roadmap for cooperation.
Referring to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Mr. Papastavrou emphasized that Greece fully supports it “as an important initiative for global trade, energy flows, and digital connectivity” and explicitly seeks to join it.
It should be noted that, earlier this month, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, which recognizes Greece’s role as a connecting link in the broader IMEC corridor.
“Cooperation in the energy sector, and specifically in the development of renewable energy sources, is of strategic importance to both countries. This has been formalized in the 2017 Greece–India Memorandum of Cooperation,” Mr. Papastavrou also noted.
Finally, Mr. Piyush Goyal invited Mr. Papastavrou to visit India to meet with the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi.