India and Cyprus on Friday raised their relationship to the level of strategic partnership and launched a joint task force to enhance cooperation in areas including infrastructure and shipping, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
President Christodoulides also thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s long-standing support for the reunification of Cyprus and said the country continues to support India’s position in the reformed UN Security Council.
Key takeaways from the meeting
- During a joint press statement after the delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the close relationship between the two countries and said that investment from Cyprus has almost doubled over the past decade. “The India-Cyprus relationship has time and again stood the test of time. Today, with the formation of the India-Cyprus strategic partnership, we are ready to infuse new ambition and new momentum into our relations,” he said.
- President Christodoulides supported India’s “rightful place in the reformed UN Security Council”. “Global governance must reflect today’s realities,” he said.
- A major part of bilateral progress has focused on a broad economic roadmap. While saying that Cypriot investment in India has almost doubled over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Modi linked this growth to developments surrounding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
- Regarding the free trade agreement with the European Union, Prime Minister Modi said that the development will create more opportunities for both countries and support efforts to double investments over the next five years.
- To support these plans, the two sides signed several memorandums of understanding in key sectors. These agreements aim to strengthen digital infrastructure, financial technology systems and research centers, while increasing institutional cooperation, student exchange programs and joint scientific work.
- The two countries also agreed to move forward with the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement, along with the Social Security Agreement, to protect the rights of professionals working between the two countries.
- The two countries also formally established a joint counter-terrorism working group to address extremism and cross-border threats.
- Prime Minister Modi also announced plans to increase defense cooperation, with a focus on cybersecurity, maritime awareness and counter-terrorism networks.
India and Cyprus elevate their relations to a strategic partnership
During the joint press meeting, Modi said: “The friendship between India and Cyprus is strong and forward-looking. Our partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to values such as democracy and the rule of law. We deeply respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India is, and will remain, fully committed to upholding these principles.”
In his remarks, Christodoulides said that discussions with Prime Minister Modi confirmed that relations between the two countries have entered a new phase, with progress emerging in areas including security, defence, technology and maritime cooperation.
“Over the past year, accelerated by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus, our partnership has progressed with remarkable speed and resolve. What began as a strategic vision is now evolving into a tangible partnership, one that is already delivering tangible results in key areas, including security and defence, technology and innovation, maritime cooperation, education and economic connectivity,” he said.
The Cypriot President is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Konstantinos Koumpos and Transport Minister Alexis Vafidis, along with senior officials and business leaders.
With input from agencies
