Last month, the Indian Navy conducted important joint exercises with Greece and Cyprus navies. On 17–18 September, under the Greek-Indian cooperation, the warship INS Trikand was deployed in the salmas. Indian warship INS Trikand conducted naval cooperation with three Greek naval ships in Myrtoan Sagar. Subsequently, the Indian warship INS Trikand arrived at the Limasol port of Cyprus on 23 September and practiced with ships of the Cyprus National Guard Navy on 24 September. A powerful and important country in the region, Türkiye is keeping a close watch on this development.
According to the Greek City Times report, an increase in joint naval exercises between the Indian Navy and the Greek and Cyprus warships is no coincidence. This reflects India’s concern about Turkish activities in important areas. Countless military cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan is a matter of special concern for India. Turkey has openly supported Pakistan against India in recent times, especially during Operation Sindoor.
Greece and Cyprus are getting closer to India
In response to Pakistan’s growing defense cooperation with Türkiye, India has increased its relations with Greece, Cyprus and Armenia. Meanwhile, the aggressive stance of Cyprus and Türkiye is also forcing countries such as Cyprus and Greece to consider increasing defense cooperation with India. Greece and Cyprus have taken steps to strengthen their relations with India in many areas. After the military conflict with Pakistan in May, India has tried to develop a new axis with Greece, Cyprus and Israel. It is also a response to an alliance between Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan. India considers Greece an important partner, and that is why defense relations between the two countries have recently improved.
India’s presence in Greece
India’s military attendance in Greece has recently growing. Greece has welcomed India’s aviation presence in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, facing the Turkish invasion. Türkiye is a major cause of India’s proximity with Greece. Turkey supported Pakistan by providing drones during Operation Sindoor. New Delhi has openly supported Turkish rival Greece.
