Highlighting investment opportunities in India, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said the country is striving to become a $5-trillion economy and the world’s third largest consumer market by 2025. He was addressing the disapora in Athens.

On Saturday, Ram Nath Kovind became the first Indian President to travel to Greece in 11 years, he on the first leg of his three-nation tour– Greece, Suriname and Cuba. Kovind said his visit will strengthen ties between India and Greece.

#PresidentKovind addresses Indian community in Athens; says India and Greece are ancient civilisations having age-old deep relations. Urges the Indian community to help enhance economic, cultural and people-to-people links between two countries pic.twitter.com/k5I8sHmrXF

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 17, 2018

Kovind praised overseas Indians for playing an important role in improving the bilateral relations. “Greece and India presented the ideals of civilisation and culture in the ancient world. The relations between the two countries are very old and deep. Greek historian Megasthenes introduced India to the world through his book ‘Indica’,” the president said.

“We are working towards making India a USD 5 trillion economy and the world’s third largest consumer market by 2025. According to the World Bank and IMF, our growth rate is going to be high,” he said.

Currently India’s economy is estimated at $2.5 trillion.

Kovind said India had a very strong position in the world with the perspective of democracy, demography and demand. “We are proud of our overseas Indians and their successes. Today there are plenty of opportunities for business, innovation and investment in India. I hope that whatever you can do for the development of India for the motherland, you will do that,” he said.

India-Greece bilateral trade stands at $530 million and some Indian companies are also present in the infrastructure, pharmaceutical and steel sectors in the central European nation. Greece is home to a 12,000-strong Indian diaspora.

Earlier on Sunday, emphasising India’s deep respect for the age old civilization of Greece, the President had visited the Acropolis as well as the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium and Temple of Zeus.

On President’s arrival in Greece, an event was organised by the Ambassador of India in Athens. During the event, the President said that Greece and India are ancient civilizations having old and deep relations. Both nations greatly respect the democratic values followed by each other.

These similarities have ensured that relations between the two countries have remained strong over the years. He expressed confidence that his visit, which is a visit by an Indian President after around 11 years, will further strengthen these relations, he said.