PM Modi arrives in Greece on first prime ministerial visit in 40 year
In an unprecedented and momentous stride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic sojourn to Greece, etching his name in the annals of diplomacy as the first Indian premier to set foot on Greek soil in four decades¹. This extraordinary expedition, initiated at the behest of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, unfolded on August 25, 2023, signifying a pivotal juncture in the bilateral relationship¹.
The resonating chords of diplomatic camaraderie were harmoniously struck as Modi descended at Athens International Airport, greeted with genuine warmth by Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis¹. This visit, infused with diplomatic significance, stands as a testament to Modi’s unswerving commitment to fortify the intricate tapestry of India-Greece bilateral ties¹.
Amidst a whirlwind of engagements during his daylong visit, Modi orchestrated a meticulously packed agenda. A solemn tribute was paid at the hallowed Tomb of an Unknown Soldier, a gesture that symbolized reverence and solidarity. Dialogues of strategic importance were kindled with both President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Mitsotakis, catalyzing an intent to cultivate a deeper interconnection between the two nations¹.
Going beyond formal negotiations, Modi’s interactions traversed realms. The corridors echoed with the exchange of insights with Greek business luminaries, fostering the avenues of economic collaboration. The pulsating heart of the Indian diaspora in Greece exuberantly welcomed the Prime Minister, resonating with chants of ‘Modi ji ki jai’ and the infectious rhythm of Bollywood melodies¹.
This historic sojourn carries profound implications, signifying an extraordinary strengthening of ties between India and Greece, two nations intricately linked by shared cultural threads. The echoes of the past reverberate as this visit recalls the high-level voyage of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in September 1983, bridging the temporal gap between these moments of diplomatic significance¹.
