Six agreements signed
The two nations signed pacts covering innovation, education, culture and counter-terrorism cooperation
India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and announced a wide-ranging roadmap to deepen cooperation in defence, trade, technology and connectivity following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
The two countries also signed six agreements aimed at expanding collaboration in areas such as innovation, education, culture, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.
The high-level talks focused on strengthening economic engagement, boosting investments, enhancing defence ties and accelerating implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Addressing the media after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said the decision to upgrade ties reflected the growing trust and shared democratic values between the two nations.
“The relationship between India and Cyprus has stood the test of time. Today’s decision to elevate our ties to a strategic partnership will give new momentum and new ambition to our relationship,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister highlighted Cyprus’s increasing importance as a gateway between India and Europe, noting that the island nation currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Cyprus is emerging as an important investment gateway between India and the whole of Europe,” he said, adding that investment from Cyprus into India had nearly doubled over the past decade.
PM Modi said both sides were now aiming to double bilateral investment again over the next five years, with Indian companies expected to explore opportunities in Cyprus’s infrastructure, energy and agriculture sectors.
The leaders also unveiled a five-year roadmap for defence cooperation and agreed to strengthen coordination in cybersecurity, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
One of the agreements signed during the visit includes the establishment of a joint working group on counter-terrorism.
The two countries further agreed to conclude a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership and a Social Security Agreement in the near future to facilitate smoother movement of professionals and students.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides described the partnership as one with “strategic depth and global relevance”, particularly at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
He also backed stronger cooperation between India and the European Union and praised the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, saying Cyprus was prepared to actively contribute to the ambitious connectivity initiative.
The Cypriot leader also thanked India for its longstanding support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
During a media briefing later, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George said India and Cyprus had also established a bilateral connectivity dialogue. He added that India’s UPI digital payment system is expected to become operational in Cyprus from 2027.
Cyprus also announced plans to open a trade office in Mumbai as part of efforts to deepen economic engagement with India.
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