I. Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations between Greece and India were established in May 1950. The new Greek Embassy building in New Delhi was inaugurated on 6 February 2001. In 1996, a Defence Attaches office was also opened at the Embassy.

II. Contractual relations

The existing treaty framework is as follows: Trade agreement, Agreement on avoidance of double taxation currently under review, Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Agreement on Tourism Cooperation, Agreement on the Mutual Protection and Promotion of Investments, Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector. The following agreements have been signed between state agencies in the two countries: Cooperation Agreement between the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry and the FICCI and ASSOCHAM,  Memorandum of Cooperation between the Federation of Greek Industries and the CII, Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board and ITPO.

III. Political relations

The most recent high-level visits date from December 2000, when the then Greek Foreign Minister, Mr. Georgios Papandreou, carried out an official visit to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In February 2001, the then Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Konstantinos Simitis, carried out an official visit to India following an invitation by the then Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr A. Vajpayee. The former Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Mr. A. Kaklamanis visited India from 15-21 February 2003 and had useful contacts with Indian officials.In 2007, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. G. Alogoskoufis, carried out a visit to India from 7 to 11/2/2007, followed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Petros Doukas (11-14/11/2007).

The Speaker of the Indian Parliament, Mr. Somnath Chatterjee, carried out an official visit to our country in September 2006. Also, the President of the Republic of India, Mr. ..J Abdul Kalam made an unofficial visit to Athens in April 2007. The harmonious relations between the two countries as well as their active cooperation have been confirmed, thus helping to forge close friendly ties.

IV. Economic and trade relations

Greece and India have traditionally enjoyed close and amicable relations, and in recent years, there has been a trend towards broader bilateral economic and trade relations. Greek imports from India include cotton, synthetic fibres, fabrics, vehicles, iron, steel and fruit, while Greek exports to India include fibres, fertilizers, organic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, leather goods, metal processing machinery, etc.  The Greek Embassys Office of Economic and Trade Affairs opened in 2000 in New Delhi, in an effort to promote closer economic cooperation between the two countries. 

V. Cultural relations

Cultural relations between Greece and India date back some three thousand years. Within the framework of Greek-Indian cultural cooperation, the Onassis Foundation has awarded prizes and grants to Indian intellectuals. In May 1999, an Indian-Greek Friendship Society was set up in New Delhi, with the support of the Greek Embassy. Its members include distinguished Indian philhellenes, and it is aimed at promoting social and cultural action. In 1988, the Greek Society Kyklos was set up in Calcutta, with a membership of Indian intellectuals who share an interest in, and admiration for, Greek civilization.

Cultural links between the two countries have been celebrated with a host of events, including film festivals, book presentations, concerts, plays, exhibitions, etc., whilst on 9/9/2003 the Programme of Educational Exchanges was renewed for the years 2003 -2006.

Following a Memorandum of Preliminary Agreement, signed in June 1999, a Chair of Greek Studies (Greek civilization, language, history and philosophy) was established at the Jawaharlal Nehru University School of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies. Since 1991, the Ancient History and Culture Department of the M.U.P. Rohilkhand University in Bareilly has been extremely active in promoting Greek studies under the guidance of Professor U.P. Arora.

VI. Greek community

There are a very small number of Greek families at various locations around the country.