PERSPECTIVE: PM Modi In Greece | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

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INTRODUCTION

• India-Greece relations encompass diplomatic, economic, cultural, and historical connections between the Republic of India and the Hellenic Republic (Greece). The two nations share a profound historical and cultural heritage. The leaders are anticipated to discuss strategies for enhancing cultural exchanges, fostering a deeper mutual understanding, and appreciating each other’s cultures.
• The significant Indian diaspora in Greece acts as a vital link between the two countries. Discussions are expected to revolve around strengthening this bond with the diaspora community and encouraging their contributions to both nations.
• Greece stands as one of the world's oldest civilizations and is hailed as the cradle of Western civilization. It holds the distinction of being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, theater, and the Olympic Games. Positioned in southern Europe, Greece boasts an extensive coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

Historical and Cultural Bonds

• India and Greece share ancient historical connections, rooted in their participation in the extensive Silk Road trade routes.
• The intermingling of these civilizations is apparent in the writings of Greek historians such as Megasthenes, who meticulously recorded their observations of India.

Impact of Buddhism

• One of the most significant historical ties between India and Greece is the influence of Buddhism.
• Following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE, Greek envoys, notably the renowned Mauryan ambassador Megasthenes, resided in India.
• This interaction facilitated a rich cultural exchange, where Greek art and culture left a lasting imprint on the Indian subcontinent.

Cultural Fusion

• Indo-Greek cultural exchanges gave rise to the amalgamation of Greek and Indian artistic traditions, commonly known as Greco-Buddhist art.
• Artifacts from this period, including statues and coins, vividly display the harmonious blend of these influences.

Current Relations Between India and Greece

• In recent times, diplomatic relations between India and Greece have undergone notable transformations. Both nations maintain embassies in each other's capitals, fostering diplomatic engagements. Greece has consistently backed India's aspirations, supporting its bid for a Permanent Seat in the expanded UNSC and endorsing various international bodies like ICJ, ITLOS, and IMO. Additionally, Greece strongly condemned the Mumbai terrorist attacks, aligning with India's concerns on Jammu and Kashmir.

Bilateral Engagements

• High-level visits have characterized the relationship, with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos' visit to India in 2018 underlining the commitment to bolstering bilateral ties. Numerous agreements and MOUs have been signed, covering areas such as double taxation, economic cooperation, cultural relations, tourism, defense, agricultural cooperation, science, technology, and bilateral investment promotion and protection.

Economic Collaboration

• Trade between India and Greece has steadily grown, with India importing refined petroleum and pharmaceutical products while exporting items like organic chemicals and machinery. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately USD 2 billion in 2022-23. Indian investments, particularly in IT and renewable energy sectors, contribute significantly to the economies of both countries. Recently, India and Greece elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030.

Cultural and Educational Exchanges

• Collaborations between academic institutions in India and Greece have deepened understanding in fields such as archaeology, history, and cultural studies. Cultural festivals and events have been organized to promote mutual appreciation, showcasing the diverse heritage of both nations.

Tourism and Diaspora

• Tourism plays a vital role in strengthening people-to-people bonds, with Indians attracted to Greece's historical sites and natural beauty, and Greeks exploring India's rich culture. Both countries have vibrant diaspora communities contributing to cultural diversity and exchange.

Diplomatic Collaboration

• India and Greece collaborate in various international forums, sharing common perspectives on global issues. Greece's support for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative aligns with India's efforts to promote peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Pacific Ocean. Their partnership in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security is crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Historical and Philosophical Connections

• The ancient ties between Greek and Indian cultures have left a lasting impact, evident in Greco-Buddhist art and the exchange of philosophical ideas. Both nations collaborate in international organizations, upholding principles of democracy and peace. Their strategic locations make them key players in their regions, allowing for collaborative efforts to balance the influence of larger regional powers, fostering stability and cooperation.

Relationship Challenges

Geographical Distance:

• India and Greece, despite their vast geographical separation, face challenges in maintaining regular high-level interactions and trade relations. The considerable physical distance results in prolonged transit times for goods and increased transportation costs, creating logistical hurdles.

Limited Economic Engagement:

• Despite the potential for economic collaboration, India and Greece have historically witnessed modest bilateral trade and investment. Overcoming obstacles like regulatory disparities, market access issues, and limited awareness of business opportunities is essential to expand their economic ties.

Historical and Cultural Differences:

• Although there are historical and cultural connections, India and Greece differ significantly in historical experiences, languages, and cultural practices. Bridging these gaps and fostering a deeper mutual understanding poses a challenge.

Divergent Regional Priorities:

• India primarily focuses on its immediate neighborhood and the broader Indo-Pacific region, while Greece's concerns revolve around the Eastern Mediterranean and the European Union. Aligning these divergent regional priorities is challenging in terms of strategic interests.

Complex Regional Dynamics:

• Both countries are situated in regions with intricate geopolitical dynamics. Greece faces challenges related to tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, whereas India deals with its own regional security issues. These dynamics can impact their diplomatic and security cooperation significantly.

Language Barrier:

• Although English is widely spoken in both nations, language barriers can still pose challenges in specific areas of interaction, especially in cultural and educational exchanges.

Conclusion

India and Greece, representing ancient civilizations and democratic ideologies, are natural partners. India's position as a global power and Greece's role in the Mediterranean Sea, as a member of NATO and the EU, makes them significant players on the world stage. Strengthening their cooperation across various fields, capitalizing on their military and diplomatic synergies, is key. In the evolving geopolitical landscape, strategic alignment between India and Greece serves the national interests of both countries effectively.