Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy, is on a four-day official visit to Greece, from September 26 to 29, to bolster defence relations between the two countries, with a particular focus on enhancing naval cooperation.
During his visit, Admiral Tripathi is engaging in high-level discussions with key Greek defence officials, including Deputy Minister of Defence Mr. Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Vice Admiral Dimitrios E Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, and Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff. The talks are expected to cover various areas, such as maritime security, joint training exercises, and potential operational collaborations between the Indian and Hellenic navies.
A significant part of Admiral Tripathi's itinerary includes a visit to Salamis Bay, the base of the Hellenic Naval Fleet, and the prestigious Hellenic Naval Academy. These visits will provide the CNS an opportunity to witness Greece's naval capabilities and training methodologies firsthand. The Hellenic Navy has also organized demonstrations to showcase their assets and operational strategies.
In a symbolic gesture of the enduring ties between the two nations, Admiral Tripathi will be hosted onboard the legendary Georgios Averof, a Hellenic naval museum ship, by Vice Admiral Kataras. The visit to the Averof, a symbol of Greece's rich maritime history, will provide Admiral Tripathi with insights into the country's naval heritage.
This visit reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Greece, particularly in the maritime domain. Over the years, both nations have conducted joint naval exercises, engaged in port visits, and initiated various capacity-building projects. Admiral Tripathi's visit is expected to further solidify these ties, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The deepening naval relationship between India and Greece is seen as a positive development, fostering stronger regional security and contributing to global maritime stability. (PR)