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India and Cyprus: A Historic Partnership Forges a Path to a Brighter Future
A new era of collaboration has dawned! In a landmark visit from June 15-16, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in over two decades. This wasn't just a ceremonial trip; it was a powerful reaffirmation of the deep and enduring friendship between these two nations, setting a robust foundation for a shared future of peace, prosperity, and stability.
The air in Nicosia was buzzing with anticipation as Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides warmly welcomed PM Modi. Their discussions spanned a wide array of topics, from crucial bilateral matters to pressing regional and global issues, showcasing the expanding horizons of cooperation between Cyprus and India. Both leaders celebrated the recent strides in economic, technological, and people-to-people connections, signaling a dynamic and evolving relationship ready for greater heights.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
At the heart of this renewed partnership are shared values and a common vision for a rules-based international order. Both leaders emphasized their unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and effective multilateralism, with a particular focus on the UN Charter and international law, including the vital UNCLOS.
Discussions also touched upon critical global challenges like the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Significantly, Cyprus reiterated its strong support for India's permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council, a testament to India's growing global stature and the need for a more representative UN. The commitment to strengthening coordination within international organizations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth, further underscores their aligned global outlook.
Bolstering Security and Defence
In an increasingly complex global landscape, security and defence cooperation took center stage. Both nations unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms, with Cyprus expressing unwavering solidarity with India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The gruesome attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, were strongly condemned, with both leaders stressing a zero-tolerance approach and the urgent need to hold perpetrators accountable.
Beyond countering terrorism, the leaders committed to deepening defence and security cooperation, exploring avenues for collaboration between their defence industries, particularly in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Recognizing their shared maritime heritage, they also discussed enhancing cooperation in the maritime domain, envisioning more regular port calls by Indian naval vessels and joint maritime training exercises. This collaboration is set to enhance maritime domain awareness and bolster regional security.
Connecting Continents: The IMEC Initiative
A truly transformative aspect of this partnership is the shared strategic vision of serving as bridges between regions. Both leaders hailed the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a game-changer – a multi-nodal initiative designed to foster peace, economic integration, and sustainable development. IMEC is seen as a catalyst for constructive regional cooperation, promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East, and creating vital corridors of interconnection from the Indian peninsula to Europe.
Cyprus, with its strategic location, is poised to become a key regional hub for transshipment, storage, distribution, and logistics. This opens exciting prospects for Indian shipping companies to establish a presence in Cyprus, fostering joint ventures and strengthening economic and logistical ties.
EU-India Strategic Engagement: Cyprus at the Helm
Looking ahead, Cyprus's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026 holds immense promise for strengthening EU-India relations. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in the India-EU Strategic Dialogue, covering priority areas like trade, defence, and clean energy. Cyprus pledged to champion the advancement of the EU-India strategic partnership during its presidency, with a shared readiness to support the conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year – a move that holds significant economic and strategic potential.
Fuelling Economic Growth Through Innovation
Recognizing the growing strategic complementarity, Cyprus and India are keen to expand economic ties through increased trade, investment, and collaboration in science, innovation, and research. Plans are already in motion for a Cypriot high-level delegation, including business representatives, to visit India, alongside a dedicated Cyprus–India Business Forum to showcase investment opportunities. Collaboration in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure is also on the horizon, with an MoU in the works.
Strengthening People-to-People Bonds
At the heart of any enduring relationship are the connections between people. Both leaders acknowledged the vital role of people-to-people ties in deepening economic and cultural bonds. Efforts are underway to finalize a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025. Furthermore, enhancing tourism and establishing direct air connectivity between Cyprus and India are key priorities, aiming to boost ease of travel and foster bilateral exchanges.
The Road Ahead: A 2025-2029 Action Plan
This Joint Declaration is more than just a statement; it's a blueprint for the future. Both leaders expressed confidence that this strategic bond will continue to flourish, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across their regions and beyond. To guide this ambitious journey, an Action Plan is set to be prepared for the next five years (2025-2029), under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
The future of Cyprus-India relations looks incredibly bright, built on a foundation of shared values, mutual trust, and a collective vision for a more connected, secure, and prosperous world.
PM @narendramodi and President @Christodulides of Cyprus deliberated on ways to strengthen the friendship between both countries. They discussed ways to improve cooperation in areas like trade, technology and renewable energy. Both leaders also explored ways to boost tourism and… pic.twitter.com/5ClP4G6e9G
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 16, 2025
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