India Could Be One Of The Best Choices For Legal Migration To Europe: Greek Defence Minister

Last Updated:February 08, 2026, 07:43 IST

Beyond migration, Dendias reflected on the historical and cultural links between Greece and India, referencing Alexander the Great’s expedition to the region.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias on Saturday said India and the wider Indian subcontinent could become among Europe’s most viable partners for legal migration, as the continent grapples with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

Speaking at the India-EU Forum 2026 in New Delhi, Dendias described migration as a long-standing global reality and stressed the need for Europe to design structured and balanced migration pathways to address its demographic challenges.

“Migration is a global phenomenon. It existed in the past and will continue in the future," he said, adding that Europe’s population growth is “almost negative," creating an urgent demand for younger workers.

Against this backdrop, he noted that the Indian subcontinent’s demographic profile makes it a strong candidate for legal migration partnerships.

“With its current population structure, the subcontinent could be one of the best choices for legal migration," Dendias said, while noting that such frameworks must be carefully designed to ensure mutual benefits for both countries of origin and destination.

The Greek minister also flagged concerns over illegal migration, calling it a destabilising challenge fuelled by organised human smuggling networks.

He urged stronger international cooperation to counter what he described as a large-scale, profit-driven criminal activity.

Beyond migration, Dendias reflected on the historical and cultural links between Greece and India, referencing Alexander the Great’s expedition to the region.

He described India as an enduring presence in Greek mythology and suggested that contemporary cooperation offers an opportunity to renew and deepen bilateral ties.

The inaugural India-EU Forum, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Ananta Centre, concluded on Saturday after two days of discussions on trade, security, technology and geopolitics.

Held from February 6 to 7, the Track 1.5 forum brought together more than 200 policymakers, industry leaders and strategic experts from India and European Union member states.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered the opening address on February 6, while Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in a special session the same day. Nikos Dendias addressed a dedicated fireside chat on February 7.

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