Greek Defence Minister on India visit; boosts defence ties and EU trade deal | India News
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias arrived in India on Friday on an official visit that will continue until February 9, upon the invitation of his counterpart Rajnath Singh.
Dendias will hold bilateral talks with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to enhance defense cooperation and discuss regional security issues.
During his visit, Greek Defense Minister Dendias will also participate in a discussion on international developments and security issues at the India-EU Forum.
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Greek Defense Minister Dendias will also travel to Bengaluru to explore cooperation opportunities between the defense industry ecosystems of Greece and India.
India-Greece ties and India-EU trade deal
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ visit to India coincides with the strengthening of India-EU ties following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, the ‘mother of all agreements’, on January 27. This agreement marks a high-level economic partnership between the world’s second and fourth largest economies.
FTA covers a huge market worth more than 24 trillion US dollars for 2 billion people. It provides duty-free access to 99% of exports to India, including textiles, spices, precious stones and more, while protecting key sectors. Trade has already reached US$136 billion last year, leaving ample room for growth for businesses and employment.
India’s expanding Defense cooperation
India and Greece increased defense cooperation through joint exercises and high-level talks; this includes the first Joint Services Staff Consultations in New Delhi in January 2026, focusing on exchange, training and talent development.
The first bilateral naval exercise in the Mediterranean in September 2025 and a Transition Exercise near Mumbai in 2025. The ongoing visit of Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias underlines industrial ties, especially defense manufacturing, in Bengaluru.
India’s expanding defense collaborations reveal a clear strategy to build new partnerships and increase exports.
Recent examples include Armenia’s interest in Astra missiles during CDS Anil Chauhan’s visit in early February 2026, based on agreements for Pinaka rockets and Akash systems, as well as an October 2025 cooperation program for training, technology sharing and joint exercises.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias’ ongoing visit to India after the first Joint Services Staff Meetings held in Delhi in January 2026 focused on exchanges and naval exercises such as 2025 PASSEX.
Both efforts are linked to India’s broader defense support with the EU and the US to address regional challenges and strengthen manufacturing links in Bengaluru.
(with ANI entries)
