India Strengthens Naval Ties with Greece Amid Rising Tensions in the Region

In a strategic move reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics, India has deepened its defence cooperation with Greece, a development likely to unsettle both Türkiye and Pakistan.

Greek Warship Joins Indian Naval Exercises

As Türkiye and Pakistan are deepening their strategic partnership in the maritime domain, with a focus on naval modernization, joint exercises, and technology transfer, Greece—Türkiye’s long-time rival—has sent a strong message by dispatching its warship HS Psara to Indian waters. The Greek vessel is currently on a port call with the Indian Navy’s Western Command, where it participated in a joint naval exercise alongside the Indian stealth frigate INS Tarkash.

According to the Indian Navy, the exercise involved a series of advanced naval drills, including communication protocols, tactical manoeuvres, underway replenishment, surface firing, and cross-deck helicopter operations. These exercises aim to enhance interoperability and foster a deeper understanding between the two navies.

“This engagement provided an excellent opportunity for both navies to exchange best practices and enhance maritime cooperation,” stated the Indian Navy’s Western Command.

Navy Chief’s Visit to Greece Marks Growing Strategic Ties

India’s growing defence ties with Greece were further underscored by a high-level visit in September last year, when Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi undertook a four-day official tour to Greece. The visit marked India’s expanding maritime footprint in the Mediterranean region.

During his trip, Admiral Tripathi met General Dimitris Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, at the Salamis Naval Base. Discussions focused on enhancing strategic and operational cooperation, with an emphasis on joint training and maritime security.

The Admiral also visited several key Greek naval assets, including the HS Katsonis (Type 214 submarine), HS Hydra (frigate), and the fast patrol boat HS Grigoropoulos, meeting with Greek naval officers and sailors.

India–Greece Relations See a Renaissance

India and Greece, two ancient civilisations with historic ties, have significantly strengthened relations in recent years. In early 2024, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited New Delhi as the keynote speaker at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue. It was followed by the first-ever participation of Greek fighter jets in India’s multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur.

Earlier in May 2024, Indian Air Force Rafale jets conducted joint drills with the Greek Air Force while returning from Exercise Red Flag in Alaska, signalling growing air force cooperation as well.

A Strategic Counter to Türkiye–Pakistan Nexus

Greece and Türkiye have long been at odds, with disputes ranging from maritime boundaries in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas to the ongoing conflict over Cyprus. Türkiye’s growing defence ties with Pakistan and its consistent support for Islamabad on international forums—particularly over Kashmir—have not gone unnoticed in New Delhi.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, reports emerged of Turkish drones being deployed against India, which were intercepted and neutralised during Operation Sindoor by Indian air defence systems.

India is recalibrating its strategic priorities in response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Cyprus—a known adversary of Türkiye—and the Air Force Chief’s June 2025 visit to Greece are strong indicators of a broader realignment.

As defence diplomacy becomes an increasingly critical aspect of foreign policy, New Delhi’s engagement with Athens signals a growing convergence of interests in securing maritime stability, regional balance, and geopolitical influence.

Huma Siddiqui