Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded an enthusiastic welcome as he arrived at Hotel Grande Bretagne, greeted with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi.’ Upon his landing at Athens International Airport, PM Modi proceeded to his lodging for the day-long visit. Here, he engaged with the eagerly waiting Indian diaspora.
Outside the hotel, members of the Indian community proudly waved the tricolor, and some even played drums in honor of PM Modi’s historic visit, marking the first Indian Prime Minister’s presence in the country in four decades. The Indian expatriate population in Athens, Greece, showcased their jubilation at the arrival of PM Modi.
One of the Indian diaspora members said, “I am very happy that PM Modi is here. After 40 years, the PM came. Last time, then-PM Indira Gandhi arrived in Greece. Narendra Modi has been the PM for the last 9 years, and he has made a good name for India in the world.
I am very proud that PM Modi came.”
Meanwhile, Sanjiv Kumar, a businessman who has been staying in Greece for the past 26 years, said, “It was a great moment for us that PM Modi arrived in Athens. It gives us great pleasure. In the Greek community, we have a good name the ‘Indians’, always have a good name. We are feeling very good. People love him.”
During his stay at the hotel, PM Modi engaged with both children and their parents. A young girl presented him with a Greek headdress and showcased her artwork, briefly interacting with him. She also managed to take a selfie with the Prime Minister.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Athens, where he received a warm welcome from Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. A ceremonial reception was also held in his honor. This visit to Athens followed his attendance at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
Sharing his thoughts on his micro-blogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi stated, “Arrived in Athens. Eagerly anticipating a constructive visit to Greece aimed at further enhancing the friendship between India and Greece. Scheduled for discussions with @PrimeministerGR Kyriakos Mitsotakis and looking forward to engaging with the Indian community.”
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just arrived here from Johannesburg after attending the 15th BRICS summit,” Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi also posted a video on X.
Bagchi said, “A packed day of engagement lies ahead in Athens. He will little later lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Thereafter, he will meet the president of Greece and then hold talks with the Prime Minister of Greece.”
“He will also meet with business leaders from both sides. Before departing, he will have an interaction with the community who are all excited to receive him after the success of the Chandrayan mission,” he said.
As part of the visit’s agenda, there is a planned business luncheon hosted by the Greek Prime Minister. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will engage with the Indian expatriate community in Greece.
Past significant diplomatic interactions between India and Greece have encompassed visits by former Indian Presidents, the late APJ Abdul Kalam, and former President Ram Nath Kovind in June 2018.
Furthermore, Greece’s President had undertaken an official trip to India in 1998, while the former Greek Prime Minister had made an official visit to India in 2008.
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