New Delhi: India and Greece have discussed ways to strengthen their defence and maritime cooperation, with a focus on coastal security, shipbuilding and the safety of seafarers.
The talks took place in New Delhi on October 8, 2026, between Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas. The meeting highlights the growing importance of India-Greece relations and their shared interest in safer seas, stronger maritime links and closer strategic cooperation.
India-Greece Defence Cooperation Boost With High-Level Talks In New Delhi
India and Greece held high-level discussions to explore important areas of defence and strategic cooperation. The meeting focused on maritime security, coastal protection and shipbuilding.
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According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, Rajesh Kumar Singh met Stefanos Gkikas in New Delhi on October 8, 2026. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sector.
India and Greece are both maritime nations with important interests in the sea. Their shared concerns include protecting maritime routes, improving coastal security and ensuring the safety of people working at sea. The meeting reflects the importance both countries place on working together to address common maritime challenges.
What are the Key Focus Areas of the Latest India-Greece Defence Cooperation Meeting
Coastal security was one of the main subjects discussed during the meeting. Strong coastal security is important for protecting ports, coastal communities, commercial shipping and important sea routes.
India has a long coastline and depends on maritime routes for trade, energy supplies and regional connectivity. Greece also has a strong maritime tradition and an important shipping sector.
Closer cooperation between the two countries could support the exchange of knowledge and experience in maritime safety and security. However, the Ministry of Defence’s public statement did not announce a new coastal security agreement or a specific joint operation.
The two sides also highlighted the need to ensure the safety and security of seafarers. Seafarers play a major role in international trade by helping transport goods between countries.
Shipbuilding Emerges As An Important Area Of India-Greece Defence Cooperation
Shipbuilding was another key topic during the India-Greece discussions. Cooperation in this sector could create opportunities for sharing technical knowledge, industrial experience and maritime expertise.
India has been working to expand its domestic shipbuilding industry and improve its ability to design and manufacture ships. The government has also placed importance on building stronger domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Greece’s maritime experience makes shipbuilding and wider maritime cooperation important subjects for discussion between the two nations. However, no new shipbuilding contract, joint production programme or specific industrial agreement was announced in the public statement about the October 8 meeting.
Greece’s Maritime Minister Visits India For Sagarmanthan 2026
Stefanos Gkikas visited India to attend Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026. The event provides a setting for discussions on maritime issues and cooperation between countries.
Before travelling to New Delhi, Gkikas met India’s Ambassador to Greece, Ravi Shankar, on October 1, 2026. During that meeting, he expressed Greece’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with India.
His visit and the discussions in New Delhi show continued engagement between the two countries on maritime matters. The visit also creates an opportunity for officials to discuss common interests in shipping, coastal security and the wider maritime sector.
India And Greece Continue To Expand Defence Relations
India and Greece have been working to strengthen their broader defence partnership. Their cooperation includes discussions on military engagement, defence industry links and maritime security.
In February 2026, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Greek counterpart, Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Defence, the two countries signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.
They also exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026. The plan provides a framework for military engagement between the armed forces of both countries.
The February meeting also highlighted the importance of maritime cooperation between the two nations. Greece announced the positioning of an International Liaison Officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram. These developments provide a wider background to the latest talks on maritime security and shipbuilding.
India And Greece Build On Air Force Cooperation
Defence cooperation between India and Greece also includes engagement between their air forces.
In July 2026, Indian Ambassador Ravi Shankar met Lieutenant General Demosthenes Grigoriadis, Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff. The meeting covered ongoing cooperation initiatives between the two air forces.
India’s participation in Greece’s INIOCHOS air exercise and Greece’s participation in India’s Tarang Shakti exercise have helped improve professional understanding between the two countries. Such exchanges provide opportunities for military personnel to learn from each other and build stronger working relationships. Together with the latest maritime discussions, these activities show that India-Greece defence relations cover several areas of mutual interest.
FAQs
India was represented by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Greece was represented by Stefanos Gkikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
India and Greece discussed defence and strategic cooperation, focusing on maritime security, coastal protection, shipbuilding and the safety of seafarers. The meeting took place in New Delhi on October 8, 2026.
No new shipbuilding agreement was announced in the public statement about the October 8 meeting. The two countries discussed shipbuilding as an important area of maritime cooperation.
