Ancient Perceptions of India
In the ancient era, the Greeks had a distinct geographical and cultural understanding of India, which was perceived as a land lying east of Persia, bounded by the great Himalayas to the north. The Greek term "India" (Greek: Ινδία) encapsulated various territories, and its definition fluctuated over time, sometimes encompassing broader regions and at other times narrowing to more specific areas. This fluidity in definition was reflective of the evolving interactions between the cultures, especially due to trade, exploration, and conquest.
The Greeks referred to the people of this vast land as "Indói" (Greek: Ἰνδοί), which literally translates to 'the people of the Indus River.' This nomenclature highlights the significance of the Indus River, which was central to the civilization and cultural identity of ancient India. The river served not just as a geographical marker but also as a cradle for a thriving civilization that engaged in agriculture, trade, and advanced urban planning. The interplay of these elements made the region a focal point of interest for ancient Greek philosophers and historians, who were often eager to learn from cultures beyond their own.
Conversely, the Indians expressed their awareness of the Greek visitors by calling them "Yonas" (or "Yavanas"), a term derived from the Ionians, representing an acknowledgment of Greek presence and influence in the region. This mutual recognition of each other's identities foreshadowed deeper interactions between the two cultures, paving the way for future exchanges in philosophy, science, and trade.
The fascination of the Greeks with India is exemplified in the works of historians such as Herodotus and later, Alexander the Great's expedition into the region, which further intensified the interest and the exchange of ideas. This ancient connection laid the groundwork for centuries of cultural, economic, and intellectual interactions between Greece and India, illustrating how these two rich civilizations viewed one another through their respective lenses while planting the seeds for a complex and enduring relationship.
Greek Merchants and Their Legacy in India
The settlement of Greek merchants in Bengal marks a significant chapter in the intertwining histories of Greece and India, beginning in the early eighteenth century and continuing until the mid-twentieth century. Throughout these centuries, Greek traders played a vital role in the economic landscape of Bengal, particularly in the bustling trade centers of Kolkata and Dhaka. The prominence of Greek merchants during this period can be largely attributed to their commercial acumen and the establishment of influential trading houses. Among these, the Ralli Brothers stand out as the foremost Greek business presence in India, with operations that significantly impacted trade, especially in textiles and commodities. Their legacy remains a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Greeks in India and the cultural exchanges that occurred through commerce.
One of the most notable figures in the cultural exchange between Greece and India during the 19th century was Dimitrios Galanos. Born in 1760, Galanos spent 40 years in India, during which he became the first modern Greek Indologist. His scholarly work involved the translation of numerous Sanskrit texts into Greek, thus bridging the philosophical and literary traditions of India and Greece. This endeavor not only made Indian knowledge accessible to the Greek-speaking world but also laid the groundwork for further academic inquiry and cultural appreciation. His contributions have had a lasting impact, enriching Greek intellectual thought and fostering a deeper understanding of Indian culture among European scholars.
The Greek community in Bengal has also played an essential role in maintaining cultural and religious traditions through the establishment of churches and cemeteries. The property and affairs of this community are currently managed by the Charitable Foundation of the Greek Orthodox Church in Kolkata, which continues to provide for the social and spiritual needs of Greek expatriates and their descendants. This institution plays a key role in preserving the historical identity of the Greek population in India, ensuring that their legacy is not forgotten as time progresses.
Interestingly, genetic research has shed light on the historical presence of Greeks in the Indian subcontinent beyond documented trade and cultural exchanges. DNA analysis from skeletons found at Roopkund Lake, which date back to around 1800 CE, revealed that some individuals exhibited genetic ties to Greece. This finding suggests that there may have been more extensive interactions or migrations between these two cultures than previously understood, thus enriching the narrative of Greek-Indian relations. These insights not only highlight the historical connections but also signify the broader tapestry of human movement and cultural intermingling throughout history.
Modern Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations between Greece and India commenced in May 1950, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that has evolved over the decades. The establishment of India's resident Embassy in Athens in March 1978 further solidified this connection. Conversely, the opening of the new Greek Embassy building in New Delhi, inaugurated on February 6, 2001, symbolizes Greece's commitment to fostering and enhancing bilateral ties with India. These diplomatic structures play a crucial role in facilitating communication, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Honoring Historical Connections
The historical ties between Greece and India also entail a commemorative aspect. The graves of Indian soldiers who died in Greece during both World Wars rest within the memorial grounds of the Allied Forces cemeteries located in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Lemnos. This acknowledgment not only highlights the shared histories and sacrifices of the two nations but also emphasizes a bond forged through mutual respect and remembrance of those who fought for freedom. Such memorials serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals from both countries during times of global conflict.
Economic and Strategic Partnerships
India and Greece have cultivated a strong bilateral relationship, with Greece endorsing India's aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. This political backing underscores Greece's recognition of India’s growing significance in global affairs. Furthermore, both nations have found common ground in their shared rivalry with Turkey, which has led to closer collaboration in various sectors. Noteworthy developments in 2023 include the formation of an informal economic partnership involving India, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to collaboratively pursue oil extraction in the Western Mediterranean region. This initiative not only seeks to enhance energy cooperation but also aims to bolster economic ties among the participating nations.
Cultural and Civic Engagements
In addition to political and economic collaborations, cultural exchanges between Greece and India have flourished as well, exemplified by the twinning of Thessaloniki with Kolkata in January 2005. This partnership fosters cultural understanding and facilitates exchanges in various sectors such as arts, education, and tourism. Such initiatives not only enrich the cultural landscapes of both cities but also contribute to deeper ties among their citizens, promoting goodwill and mutual respect. As the two nations continue to navigate their relationship, the blend of historical connections, strategic partnerships, and cultural exchanges positions Greece and India as not only allies but also friends linked by a spectrum of shared interests.
Cultural Connections: A Historical Overview
Cultural exchanges between Greece and India date back centuries, but significant interactions have marked the modern era, particularly since the early 20th century. A seminal event occurred on 26 November 1926 when the renowned Indian poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Athens. This visit helped sow the seeds for deeper cultural engagement between the two nations, igniting mutual interest in their respective histories, literatures, and philosophies.
In the new millennium, stronger academic ties were established through the institution of the "Dimitrios Galanos" Chair for Greek Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi in September 2000. This initiative has provided a platform for students and scholars alike to explore the rich tapestry of Greek heritage within India. Complementing this effort, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has been offering Hindi courses since 2005, reflecting India's linguistic diversity. The introduction of Sanskrit, Hindi, Indian philosophy, and South Asian history has further enriched the academic landscape at the Athens Center for Indian and Indo-Hellenic Studies, initiated in 2016.
Various significant conferences and symposiums have underscored the rich cultural dialogue that continues to blossom. In March and April 1995, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) cooperated with the Hellenic Foundation for Culture to host an international symposium titled "India – Greece: 2500 Years of Cultural Exchange" at the India International Center, affirming the longstanding relationship between the two civilizations. Moreover, in February 2018, the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts and Benares Hindu University organized a noteworthy conference celebrating "Dimitrios Galanos and his Legacy: Indo-Greek Studies 1790–2018," fostering further scholarly exchange.
More recently, November 2018 saw the organization of Europe's first International Symposium on Jainism at the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, followed by the 17th International Hindi Conference in Athens in June 2019. In a ceremonial highlight on 26 June 2021, Greek and Indian dignitaries, including the Ministers of External Affairs, unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Athens, symbolizing the shared values and philosophies of both nations.
Further collaborative efforts in 2021 included a painting exhibition and cultural events co-organized by ELINEPA and ICCR in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. Recognition of individual contributions to Indo-Greek relations was exemplified in March 2022 with the conferment of the Padma Shri Award on Greek Indologist Prof. Nicholas Kazanas for his exceptional contributions to literature and education.
The dialogue extended into 2022, with a significant conference co-hosted by the chair for Greek Studies and the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice, focusing on "The Greek World and India: History, Culture and Trade from the Hellenistic Period to Modern Times". The Academy of Athens also took part in extending cultural scholarships with a dedicated event that examined the lesser-known works of Demetrios Galanos in June 2023.
Looking ahead, the chair for Greek Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University is gearing up for an international conference in April 2024 that will convene scholars from various disciplines to discuss themes of history, society, science, and entrepreneurship, thereby continuing the legacy of cultural collaboration between Greece and India. This enduring relationship is a testament to the rich, shared heritage and continuing interaction between these two diverse civilizations.
Economic Relations Overview
The economic ties between Greece and India have seen a gradual evolution over the years, marked by significant numbers and developments. Currently, it is estimated that approximately 35,000 to 36,000 Indian individuals reside and contribute to the Greek workforce. This diaspora plays a crucial role in bridging the economic and cultural gap between the two nations. Additionally, the bilateral trade between Greece and India stands at about $0.83 billion, reflecting a potential for growth, despite existing challenges in the trade balance.
Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) highlights a persistent trade deficit for Greece. In 2021, this deficit reached €564.8 million, underscoring the imbalance in the trade relationship. Greek exports to India totaled €134.2 million, which represented a considerable increase of 74.6% from the previous year. However, imports from India surged to €699.1 million, marking an increase of 68.4%, which has exacerbated the trade deficit. This scenario illustrates the need for strategic efforts to boost Greek exports to India and create a more balanced trading partnership.
The presence of Indian businesses in Greece has started to expand. Restaurants, mini markets, and tourist agencies run by Indian entrepreneurs are emerging in popular locations like Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Similarly, Greek companies are exploring partnerships with Indian enterprises, indicating a two-way exchange of business opportunities. Notably, a noteworthy collaboration occurred with India's GMR Airports Limited (GAL) and Greece's GEK Terna, which joined forces to win the tender for constructing the new Kastelli airport in Heraklion, Crete. This project not only symbolizes cooperation but also promises to enhance infrastructure and tourism prospects in the region.
Cultural and economic exchanges have been further emphasized through events such as the Thessaloniki International Fair, where India was honored as a guest country in both 2009 and 2019. Such recognition fosters a greater understanding of Indian products and services within the Greek market. Additionally, in June 2019, the establishment of the Greek Indian Business Association in Athens marked a significant milestone in nurturing bilateral business relations. This association aims to create a collaborative platform for entrepreneurs and stakeholders from both nations, striving to maximize economic potential and facilitate networking opportunities. As both countries move forward, the establishment of such associations could pave the way for more sustainable partnerships and comprehensive trade relations.
Recent Bilateral Visits
The history of diplomatic relations between Greece and India is marked by a series of significant bilateral visits that have strengthened ties between the two nations since the early 1960s. An important visit occurred in February 1963 when King Paul of Greece and Queen Friderica visited India, laying the groundwork for future diplomatic engagement. Almost two decades later, in March 1982, Konstantinos Karamanlis, the President of the Hellenic Republic, traveled to India. This visit underscored the growing interest in enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two countries.
Subsequent visits highlighted mutual interests in various fields, including politics and culture. In September 1983, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Athens and Delphi, fostering goodwill and dialogue on international issues. The early 2000s saw an uptick in diplomatic exchanges, with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou visiting India in December 2000, followed by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis in February 2001. These visits initiated discussions on trade and collaboration within international forums.
As global attention shifted toward events in Greece, India's participation in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games prompted visits from key Indian officials, including Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Dutt in July 2004. The bilateral relationship continued to deepen, evidenced by interactions involving high-level officials like Somnath Chatterjee, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who visited Greece in September 2006, and Indian President Abdul Kalam’s visit to Athens in April 2007.
The years that followed saw Greek leaders reciprocating visits, with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis visiting India in January 2008. Over a decade later, in June 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind's official visit marked a renewed phase of engagement. Notably, in September 2019, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, visited Greece to inaugurate the Indian Pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Fair, enhancing cultural and economic ties.
In recent years, the momentum has continued, with S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, visiting Greece in June 2021, followed by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias’s visit to India in March 2022. The exchanges further intensified in 2023, marked by Minister Meenakashi Lekhi's visit to Greece in January and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark August visit. These visits highlight the ongoing commitment of both nations to foster a robust bilateral relationship. The bilateral exchanges have culminated in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors.
The engagement did not conclude in 2023 as Greece's Minister of Rural Development and Food, Eleftherios Avgenakis, visited India in November, further solidifying the partnership between the countries. Anticipation builds for the upcoming visit of Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India scheduled for February 2024, which promises to open new avenues for cooperation and cement the strong ties that have developed between Greece and India over the years. This continuous engagement reflects not only shared historical bonds but also a mutual aspiration for economic collaboration and cultural exchange in the modern world.
Bilateral treaties play a crucial role in fostering and formalizing the relationship between Greece and India. Over the years, both nations have signed numerous agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
One of the earliest treaties, the Agreement on Cultural Exchange in 1961, set the foundation for mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's cultural heritage. This agreement facilitated numerous cultural events, educational exchanges, and artistic collaborations that enriched the ties between the two countries. Education remained a focus, exemplified by the MoU in 2007 between the Institute of Science in Bengaluru and the National Technical University of Athens, which aimed to advance academic and research partnerships.
Significant steps were taken in the economic domain through the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation in 1967, aimed at eliminating fiscal barriers and promoting investment between Greece and India. This agreement, complemented by the Agreement for a Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation in 1983, allowed for bilateral discussions to strengthen trade relations. The establishment of the Joint Business Council in 1996 marked another pivotal moment in solidifying the business relationship as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) joined forces with Greek counterparts to facilitate trade delegations and business inquiries.
In addition to trade, various agreements have been forged to support tourism, defense, and agriculture. The Agreement on Tourism Cooperation in 1998 highlighted the potential for collaboration in promoting tourism flows between the two nations. Similarly, the MoU on Defence Cooperation in the same year underscored a growing strategic partnership marked by military exchanges and cooperation in defense technologies. Furthermore, the MoU for Cooperation in Agriculture signed in 2001 opened avenues for sharing agricultural technologies and practices, crucial for both countries that heavily rely on agriculture.
In recent years, the bilateral relationship has been further strengthened with the Agreement on Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments (BIPA) in 2007, encouraging investment by providing a secure environment for investors. The Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology, also signed in 2007, aims to enhance research collaboration, scientific exchange, and innovation. This multifaceted relationship continues to grow, driven by treaties designed to foster closer ties in commerce, culture, and strategic cooperation between Greece and India.