Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue today in New Delhi, with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, participating as the Chief Guest during the inaugural session.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, the Greek Prime Minister said that India holds a significant position on the global stage as a great power and a crucial ally in the quest for peace and security. He acknowledged India's rising influence within the G20 and highlighted its pivotal role in combating climate change. The Greek Prime Minister urged his Indian counterpart to deepen and enhance the partnership between their two countries.

Addressing an audience that included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, and ministers and diplomats from across the world, Mitsotakis pitched for closer ties between his country and India.

Greece, uniquely placed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indo-Pacific, can serve as India’s “natural doorstep to Europe” through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), he said.

The Greek Prime Minister hailed the Indian election system saying that the country's poll system is an example that convincingly challenges any flawed notion that significant scale is a barrier to democracy.

"Elections here in India, convincingly challenge any flawed notion that significant scale is a barrier to democracy. You are an example to the world. An example which should be celebrated, a demonstration of how democracy can deliver stronger economic growth," the Greek PM said at the conclave.

The Prime Minister of Greece highlighted India's status as the world's fastest-growing major economy and noted that Greece has experienced some of the swiftest growth rates among European countries in recent years. He underscored the significance of mutual investment as a key objective in their bilateral relations.

The Greek Prime Minister pointed out that India is making substantial investments in Greece's infrastructure, including the development of a new airport. Furthermore, he mentioned that the volume of bilateral trade between the two nations is consistently increasing.

The 9th Raisina Dialogue will witness the participation of Ministers, former Heads of State and Heads of Government, Military Commanders, Captains of Industry, Technology Leaders, Academics, Journalists, Scholars on Strategic Affairs, Experts from leading Think Tanks, and youth from more than 100 nations.

The theme for the 2024 edition is "Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create." Over the span of three days, global decision-makers and influential thinkers will participate in discussions in various formats, exploring six thematic pillars: (i) Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities; (ii) Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate; (iii) War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries; (iv) Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion; (v) The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress; and (vi) Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty.

The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. This initiative has garnered support from various institutions, organizations, and individuals who share a commitment to the conference's mission.

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