Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held comprehensive bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, during his official visit to the Mediterranean nation. The talks were held at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where Prime Minister Modi was received with ceremonial honours.
During the talks, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for Cyprus’s unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. “India deeply values Cyprus’s solidarity and its consistent support in our fight against terrorism,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “our shared commitment to combating terrorism binds us further.”
The two leaders reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s longstanding support for the unity of Cyprus and called for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, international law, and the European Union Acquis.
Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, scientific research, cultural engagement, and people-to-people ties. They explored new areas of collaboration in fintech, digitalization, defence, AI, innovation, start-ups, and mobility.
The leaders agreed to chart a five-year roadmap to deepen engagement in strategic sectors and to establish new dialogues on maritime and cyber security. “We are committed to working together on real-time intelligence sharing to counter terrorism, arms trafficking, and narcotics trade,” Prime Minister Modi said following the discussions.
Looking ahead to Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the two leaders expressed their readiness to further strengthen the India-EU partnership. They discussed the progress of the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue and the work under way through the India-EU Trade and Technology Council. Both sides reaffirmed their support for concluding the long-pending EU–India Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025.
Cyprus assured its commitment to prioritising the EU–India strategic partnership during its presidency, particularly in areas such as defence and security, green and clean energy, maritime cooperation, and space.
The two sides welcomed the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed earlier in January this year, which is expected to further cement the defence partnership. The establishment of the India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council was also noted as a key step in enhancing trilateral cooperation.
The leaders discussed the importance of improving air connectivity to facilitate business, tourism, and knowledge exchange. Prime Minister Modi also underscored the strategic relevance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), stating that the project would bring long-term peace and prosperity to the region.
On multilateral cooperation, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to global governance reforms. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Christodoulides for reiterating Cyprus’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council. “India believes the global order must evolve to reflect the realities of the 21st century,” he said.
The two leaders also exchanged views on pressing international issues, including conflicts in West Asia and Europe. As part of the cultural cooperation between the two countries, an MoU was signed to establish an India Studies Chair under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the University of Nicosia.