Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US trip, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias discussed growing international prominence for India and called for New Delhi’s increased presence on the biggest international stages, including the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

Dendias emphasized how the increased military presence of India on these stages would be in Europe’s and the world’s interest. In an interview with ANI, he asserted, “I am a committed friend of India. Foreign Minister Dr Jaishankar is a close friend of mine. I admire what you have achieved in your economy. Having said that, India, I believe, has a different role to play now. India is a big country; it is becoming a big power. So, with that comes big responsibilities.”

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India’s Role as a Global Power

The Greek Defence Minister reiterated Athens’ view, in its excitement over India playing a larger role in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, focusing on India’s military role in world politics.

“From the Greek angle, we would love to see India being present in the Red Sea, being present in the Mediterranean, and accepting the role of an important power. We would like to see more of your Air Force, more of your Navy in a bigger role in the Mediterranean, in Europe and the world,” Dendias added.

He even stated that Prime Minister Modi’s conversation with US President Donald Trump could include India’s increased role in global security. “I assume that that’s what PM Modi is going to discuss with President Trump. It is good that he is one of the first leaders who meets President Trump here in Washington, DC,” he said.

PM Modi’s US Tour and Meeting with Vice President JD Vance

Prime Minister Modi will be visiting the United States on February 12-13 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. It is the first meeting of the two leaders following Trump’s induction to the second term.

Meanwhile, before his US tour, PM Modi met US Vice President JD Vance in Paris. Their conversation included shared interests, such as the United States’ assistance in helping India diversify sources of energy by investing in clean and “reliable” US nuclear technology, according to an official White House statement.

Following his meeting with PM Modi, PM Modi had coffee with JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance. He also met with the Vance children and wished Vice President Vance’s son, Vivek, happy birthday.

PM Modi later shared his experience on X, tweeting, “Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!”

Vice President JD Vance responded, remembering it, “Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids enjoyed the gifts. I’m grateful to him for the wonderful conversation.”

Strengthening India’s Global Influence

With PM Modi scheduled to have high-level talks in the US, Greece’s appeal to India to play a larger role in global security is, therefore, a measure of the country’s increasing global footprint. Moreover, with growing alliances and an expanding military presence in strategic areas, India’s ascension as one of the world’s great powers continues to unfold.