New Delhi: Greek MP Theoharis Promotes Maritime and Tourism Collaboration

Greek Parliament member and former tourism minister Harry Theoharis at the Great Oceans Dialogue conference in New Delhi.

Greek Parliament member and former tourism minister Harry Theoharis promoted a potential partnership between Greece and India in the maritime sector during the “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” conference.

Theoharis, who is Greece’s candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), is traveling to international events as part of his campaign to secure backing for his candidacy.

The inaugural “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” conference took place in New Delhi on November 19-20.

Harry Theoharis with India’s Tourism Minister, Singh Shekhawat.

Jointly organized by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the event brought together more than 160 officials from 60 countries to discuss global ocean governance, trade, and innovation.

While in Delhi, Theoharis met with India’s Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Suman Billa. He outlined his vision as a candidate for UN Tourism Secretary-General, highlighting the potential for Greek-Indian collaboration to benefit the global tourism industry. According to Theoharis, Indian officials are seriously considering supporting Greece’s bid.

“The longstanding cooperation between Greece and India across various sectors serves as a testament to the potential for fruitful collaboration in the context of the World Tourism Organization,” Theoharis remarked.

Harry Theoharis with Singh Shekhawat and Suman Billa.

Showcasing Greece’s maritime expertise, Theoharis emphasized the benefits of India’s integration into the global maritime industry through collaboration with Greece. He highlighted how such a partnership could position India as a key player in the global maritime sector.

“The realization of this ambition necessitates a structured and methodical approach, firmly grounded in international collaboration with leading maritime nations such as Greece,” Theoharis said, highlighting that partnerships are essential for achieving significant outcomes.

Greek Shipping Minister Christos Stylianides also attended the conference, underscoring Greece’s pivotal role in maintaining maritime security and strengthening global supply chains. Stylianides emphasized the shared commitment of Greece and India to fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.