On Tuesday 11 February 2025, during his visit to Washington, and in the margins of the “6th Delphi Forum Washington DC”, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias made a statement to the Asian News International News Agency correspondent in the USA capital, Aayushi Agarwal.

Specifically, answering a question concerning the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the USA, his meeting with American President Donald Trump, and also Greece – India relations, the Minister of National Defence stated:

“I am a dedicated friend of India. I have visited Delhi. Dr Jaishankar, your Minister of External Affairs, is a close friend of mine. I also admire all you have achieved with your economy. Having said that, I believe that India has a different role to play today.

India is a great country, it is becoming a great power. Thus, with this power, come great responsibilities.

From a Greek perspective, we would like to see an Indian presence in the Red Sea, in the Mediterranean, and for India to accept the role of the major power it is.

Just 2-3 days ago, I was discussing the latest exercise which was conducted between the Hellenic Air Force and the Indian Air Force. My Staff had very kind words to say concerning the capabilities of the Indian Air Force. We expect to see more on your part, more from your Air Force and Navy, with you playing a greater role in the Mediterranean, in Europe, and the world.

I suppose this is what Prime Minister Modi is going to discuss with President Trump. It is good he is one of the first leaders to meet the President here in Washington”.