India and Greece Strengthen Military Ties and Defence Industrial Cooperation

India and Greece are strengthening their bilateral defence partnership, with renewed emphasis on military cooperation, maritime security and defence industrial collaboration. The engagement reflects the growing strategic relationship between the two countries and their shared interest in expanding defence capabilities through institutional cooperation and industrial partnerships.

Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s official visit to Greece in October 2026 follows a series of high-level exchanges aimed at strengthening military relations and creating new opportunities for defence manufacturing cooperation.

The latest engagement builds upon agreements reached during Greek Defence Minister Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias’s visit to India in February 2026, when both countries established a framework for expanding defence industrial cooperation and military exchanges.

Defence Secretary’s Visit Strengthens Bilateral Engagement

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh undertook an official visit to Cyprus and Greece from October 12 to 15, 2026, with maritime security and defence industrial cooperation identified as major priorities.

During the Greek leg of the visit, engagements with senior defence and military leadership formed part of efforts to strengthen bilateral defence relations.

The visit followed the February 2026 discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Greek counterpart, Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, in New Delhi.

These high-level exchanges demonstrate the growing importance both countries attach to cooperation in defence preparedness, military engagement and industrial development.

India’s expanding defence relations with Greece also form part of its broader efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with European Union countries.

India and Greece Establish Five-Year Defence Industrial Cooperation Framework

A major development in bilateral defence relations occurred on February 9, 2026, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Greek Defence Minister Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias held talks in New Delhi.

During the meeting, both countries signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation, establishing the foundation for developing a five-year cooperation roadmap.

The initiative seeks to connect India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme with Greece’s defence modernisation efforts under its Agenda 2030 reforms.

The partnership aims to expand the capabilities of indigenous defence industries in both countries by encouraging closer engagement between their respective defence manufacturing ecosystems.

For India, cooperation with Greece creates opportunities to deepen industrial relationships within Europe while promoting its growing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

The framework also provides an institutional basis for identifying areas of mutual industrial interest and strengthening long-term cooperation between defence enterprises.

Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026

Alongside the defence industrial declaration, India and Greece exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026, outlining the framework for engagement between their armed forces.

The plan supports the continued development of military-to-military relations and provides a basis for structured bilateral activities.

During their February discussions, the Defence Ministers reviewed regional peace and security issues and acknowledged the progress achieved in bilateral defence cooperation.

Both countries reaffirmed that their strategic partnership rests on shared principles of peace, stability, freedom and mutual respect.

The continued exchange of senior defence delegations is expected to strengthen institutional relationships and support cooperation between military establishments.

Maritime Security Emerges as an Important Area of Cooperation

Maritime security has become an important component of India-Greece defence relations, reflecting the maritime interests of both countries.

During the February 2026 ministerial discussions, both sides highlighted their convergence on several maritime issues and recognised opportunities for strengthening cooperation.

Greece also announced its decision to position an International Liaison Officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.

The IFC-IOR supports maritime domain awareness through information exchange and cooperation with partner countries and international maritime organisations.

Greek participation in this framework can strengthen maritime information-sharing arrangements and institutional coordination between the two countries.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of cooperation between India and European maritime partners in supporting regional security and the safety of international sea routes.

Defence Manufacturing and Industrial Partnerships Gain Momentum

Defence industrial cooperation represents a significant area of opportunity in the expanding relationship between India and Greece.

India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem includes defence public sector undertakings, private manufacturers, technology enterprises and startups developing equipment and systems for domestic and international markets.

During the Greek Defence Minister’s February visit, the Hellenic delegation visited important defence and industrial establishments in Bengaluru.

The delegation also interacted with Indian defence public sector undertakings, industry representatives and startups, providing opportunities to explore industrial capabilities and potential collaboration.

The proposed five-year cooperation roadmap offers a framework for advancing such engagement and identifying complementary strengths within the two defence industries.

Closer industrial relationships can also support India’s efforts to expand its international defence manufacturing partnerships and strengthen the global presence of Indian defence enterprises.

India-Greece Defence Relations Gain Importance in European Engagement

The strengthening of defence relations with Greece comes amid India’s expanding security and strategic engagement with European countries.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted the importance of the Defence Secretary’s October visit in the context of the India-European Union Security and Defence Partnership.

This wider framework provides additional opportunities for India to develop bilateral defence relationships with European partners while advancing cooperation on regional security and defence industry development.

Greece occupies an important geographical position in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, making maritime security an area of shared strategic interest.

For India, stronger engagement with Greece complements its efforts to build diversified international defence partnerships and promote greater cooperation between Indian and European defence industries.

India and Greece Advance Long-Term Defence Partnership

The combination of high-level defence exchanges, the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026 and the proposed five-year defence industrial roadmap provides a foundation for expanding India-Greece defence relations.

The partnership brings together India’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and Greece’s ongoing military modernisation initiatives.

Continued cooperation in maritime security, defence industry engagement and military exchanges can strengthen bilateral relations while supporting broader strategic cooperation between India and Europe.

As India expands its defence manufacturing capabilities and international partnerships, Greece is emerging as an important European partner in building stronger military and defence industrial relationships.

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References

1. Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau — October 10, 2026: Defence Secretary to Visit Cyprus and Greece from 12–15 October 2026
2. Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau — February 9, 2026: Raksha Mantri Holds Bilateral Talks with Minister of National Defence of Hellenic Republic in New Delhi

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