In the backdrop of growing India-Turkey tensions, a parallel conflict has re-emerged between Turkey and India’s strategic partner Greece. The latest trigger is Greece’s decision to establish two new national marine parks in the Mediterranean Sea — a move Turkey sees as provocative and unilateral.
Greece, a key European ally of India, is ramping up marine conservation efforts with the declaration of two vast marine parks. One of the parks will be located in the Ionian Sea to the west of the Greek mainland, while the other will be in the southern Cyclades, part of the Aegean island cluster located eastward. The announcement, made by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aims to bolster marine biodiversity and safeguard fragile ecosystems in the region.
The Greek Prime Minister said the marine parks will become some of the largest protected marine zones in the entire Mediterranean, significantly contributing to Greece’s climate and biodiversity commitments. With these parks, Greece hopes to meet its target of protecting 30% of its marine area by 2030 ahead of schedule.
According to the Greek government, the marine parks will act as sanctuaries for endangered marine life, including sea turtles and rare aquatic species. The Ionian Sea park will cover around 18,000 square kilometers, while the Aegean Sea park will span approximately 900 square kilometers. Both areas are rich in marine flora and fauna and are considered ecologically sensitive. In addition to creating protected habitats, Greece also announced a ban on bottom trawling — a destructive fishing method — within these marine zones.
Turkey has strongly objected to the plan, particularly the proposed marine park in the Aegean Sea. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning against unilateral actions in closed or semi-closed seas like the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Ankara argues that such moves disrupt regional balance and ignores Turkish rights and interests in contested maritime zones.
Turkey and Greece have had a long-standing and deeply rooted maritime dispute over the Aegean Sea. The region is dotted with hundreds of islands, many of which are under Greek control, though located near Turkish shores. Ankara has consistently challenged Greek sovereignty over certain islands and maritime boundaries. The maritime conflict also ties into larger disputes over exclusive economic zones (EEZs), natural gas exploration rights, and airspace violations.
In 2023, when Greece previously announced its intention to establish a marine park in the Aegean Sea, Turkey responded with sharp criticism and warnings. Now, with concrete plans moving forward, tensions have escalated again.
Adding further complexity to the regional equation is the decades-old Cyprus issue. In 1974, following a Greece-backed coup in Cyprus, Turkey launched a military intervention in the northern part of the island, which it has controlled ever since. The area is recognized only by Turkey as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while Greece and the rest of the international community view it as an illegal occupation.
The underlying cause of repeated flare-ups between Greece and Turkey lies in competing claims over natural resources, maritime zones, and political influence. With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan positioning himself as a prominent leader of the Islamic world, his assertive regional policies often draw scrutiny and concern — not only from Greece but also from other regional players, including India.
India has maintained close ties with Greece and has grown increasingly wary of Turkey's positioning on global platforms, especially when Ankara raises issues like Kashmir at the United Nations. The India-Greece strategic relationship could take on a new dimension amid rising instability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey, in response to Greece's park declaration, has indicated that it may launch similar environmental initiatives. Ankara claims it will soon announce its own marine projects aimed at protecting the ecological balance of the seas.
As the two NATO members lock horns once again over environmental zones with deep political undercurrents, the world watches cautiously. For India, which shares geopolitical tensions with Turkey, the strengthening bond with Greece appears increasingly significant amid an evolving regional power play.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent the official position of any government or organization. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and are not intended to defame, discredit, or harm any individual, nation, or entity. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the most accurate and updated information.
