The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of an Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece, which allows the airlines of the two countries to fly in each other’s territory.

“It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security,” said a government statement after the meeting.

India had signed an ‘open skies’ agreement with Greece in September 2016, after putting in place the new civil aviation policy in June 2016.

At present there is no direct air connectivity between India and Greece. The agreement allows Indian airlines to operate air services to Athens, Thessaloniki and HerakIion, while Greek airlines can fly directly to India’s six metro airports.

Also, as part of the pact, Indian carriers have been allowed to fly to any three other points in Greece from India, which will be specified later, the government said.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Australia for cooperation in civil aviation security.

The MoU will enable Indian authorities to tap Australia’s expertise in this field and enhance the overall aviation security environment in India, the government said in a separate release.

Agri pact with Poland

The Cabinet also approved signing of an agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.

The agreement includes exchange of information on the current situation in agriculture, the phytosanitary conditions of crops, threats posed by harmful organisms and the threats posed by animal infectious diseases. It also covers participation in fairs, exhibitions, seminars and conferences related to agriculture and agri-food processing; undertaking and developing joint economic initiatives .

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