India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides held wide-ranging talks focused on trade, connectivity, security and India-European Union cooperation.
Addressing a joint press briefing after bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, President Christodoulides announced the creation of a joint task force to boost cooperation in infrastructure, shipping and economic sectors between the two countries.
“Over the past year, accelerated by the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Cyprus, our partnership has advanced with remarkable speed and determination. What began as a strategic vision is now evolving into a concrete partnership, a partnership already producing tangible results across key areas, including security, defence, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation, education, and economic connectivity,” the Cyprus President said.
He added that the newly created joint task force would focus on cooperation in infrastructure, shipping and broader economic engagement.
PM Modi announced the elevation of India-Cyprus ties to a Strategic Partnership, saying the move would inject “new ambition and momentum” into bilateral relations. He also highlighted the steady growth in economic engagement, noting that investments from Cyprus into India have nearly doubled over the past decade.
The two countries exchanged multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering counter-terrorism, maritime security, diplomatic training, innovation, education and culture, reflecting expanding multifaceted cooperation.
President Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
“I thank the Prime Minister on behalf of Cyprus and the Cypriot people. We deeply value India’s long-standing support on our efforts to reunify Cyprus, and I wanted to thank you for your steadfast support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate that Cyprus also supports India’s growing global role, including its rightful place in a reformed United Nations Security Council, because global governance must reflect today’s realities,” he said.
The Cypriot President also strongly backed stronger India-European Union engagement amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, I firmly believe that the partnership between the European Union and India must become even stronger because this relationship is no longer driven only by economics. It is evolving at a fast pace into a broader comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in shared interests, shared responsibilities, and a common commitment to stability, resilience, and prosperity,” he said.
He stressed that Europe and India have every reason to deepen cooperation in security, trade, technology, innovation and connectivity, describing the partnership between the world’s largest democracies and economies as vital for global stability and prosperity.
President Christodoulides also praised the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it a “visionary initiative” that reflects the importance of trusted connectivity between the Indo-Pacific, Middle East and Europe.
“We have continuous conversation with the Prime Minister about regional connectivity initiatives, including, of course, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. I consider this a visionary initiative reflecting the growing importance of trusted interconnection between the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe,” he said.
Highlighting Cyprus’ strategic location, he said the island nation stands ready to serve as a “trusted, stable, reliable bridge” connecting India with Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
He further revealed that Cyprus has initiated a “Friends of IMEC” group involving signatory and interested EU member states to advance connectivity, stability and economic cooperation across the region.
The Cyprus President also noted that the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement had created one of the world’s largest free trade zones with a combined market of nearly two billion people.
During the visit, the two leaders also discussed regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to international law, the UN Charter and effective multilateralism.
(With agency inputs)
