India Strengthens Naval Ties with Greece Amid Rising Regional Tensions
India is deepening its defence and maritime partnership with Greece in a strategic move that reflects evolving geopolitical equations in the region. This development comes amid the strengthening naval cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan, and is likely to create new dynamics in South Asia and the Mediterranean.
Greek Warship Participates in Naval Drills with India
As Türkiye and Pakistan ramp up collaboration in naval modernization, joint exercises, and technology transfers, Greece—a long-time adversary of Türkiye—has made a bold statement by deploying its warship HS Psara to Indian waters. The vessel recently made a port call under the Indian Navy’s Western Command and conducted a PASSEX (passing exercise) with India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash.
The exercise featured advanced naval drills such as tactical manoeuvres, communication protocols, surface firing, cross-deck helicopter operations, and underway replenishment. These operations were designed to boost interoperability and enhance mutual understanding between the two navies.
“This engagement provided an excellent opportunity for both navies to exchange best practices and strengthen maritime cooperation,” noted the Indian Navy’s Western Command.
Navy Chief’s Visit Reinforces Bilateral Defence Ties
India's defence engagement with Greece was further cemented by a high-level visit last year, when Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi paid an official four-day visit to Greece. This marked a significant expansion of India’s strategic outreach in the Mediterranean.
During his visit, Admiral Tripathi held talks with General Dimitris Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, at the Salamis Naval Base. Discussions emphasized enhancing strategic collaboration, joint training, and operational-level coordination. The Admiral also inspected key Greek naval platforms such as the HS Katsonis (Type 214 submarine), HS Hydra (frigate), and HS Grigoropoulos (fast patrol boat), while interacting with Greek officers and crew.
A Renewed India–Greece Strategic Partnership
India and Greece, ancient civilizations with deep-rooted cultural ties, have seen a significant revival in bilateral relations over the past few years. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited India in early 2024 as the keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. Soon after, Greece’s participation in India’s multilateral air combat exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur marked a historic first.
Further demonstrating expanding cooperation, IAF Rafale jets conducted joint exercises with the Greek Air Force in May 2024 during their return from Exercise Red Flag in Alaska.
Strategic Pushback Against the Türkiye–Pakistan Axis
Tensions between Türkiye and Greece remain high, driven by disputes over maritime boundaries and the Cyprus issue. Türkiye’s growing alignment with Pakistan—particularly its support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir—has drawn concern in India.
Recent intelligence reports indicated that Turkish drones were used in hostile activities against India following the Pahalgam terror attack. These were successfully intercepted during Operation Sindoor by India’s air defence systems.
India has begun to recalibrate its strategic alignments in response. Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Cyprus and the Indian Air Force Chief’s June 2025 visit to Greece signal a broader defence and diplomatic realignment in the region.
As India steps up its defence diplomacy, the partnership with Greece underscores a shared vision for ensuring regional stability, countering emerging threats, and enhancing geopolitical influence in the Indo-Mediterranean zone.
Written by Defence Expert
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