(Image source from: The Hindu)

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday highlighting investment opportunities in the country said India is striving to become a $ 5 trillion economy and world's third largest consumer market by 2025.

Kovind is the first Indian president to travel to Greece in 11 years. Addressing the diaspora in Greece, he said his visit will strengthen ties between India and Greece. He praised Indians abroad for playing a key role in improving bilateral relations.

"Greece and India presented the ideals of civilization 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 $ 5 trillion economy and the world’s third-largest consumer market by 2025. According to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, our growth rate is going to be high," he said.

At present, India's economy is approximated at $ 2.5 trillion. Kovind said that India had a very strong place in the world with the perspective of democracy, demographic divided 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.

The bilateral trade of India-Greece stands at $ 530 million and few Indian companies are also existing in the pharmaceutical, infrastructure, and steel sectors in the central European nation.

Greece has 12,000 strong Indian diasporas. President Ram Nath Kovind will as well be traveling to Surinam and Cuba during his trip.

By Sowmya Sangam