India and Cyprus have elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, pushing cooperation beyond diplomacy into defence, trade, technology and Europe-focused connectivity.
New Delhi: India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major push to deepen cooperation in defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, technology, trade and connectivity.
The announcement came after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Modi said the relationship had “stood the test of time” and the new strategic partnership would bring “new ambition and new momentum” to bilateral ties.
The two sides exchanged several MoUs and announced key initiatives, including a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, a Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for 2026-2031, a dedicated Cyber Security Dialogue and a joint task force on infrastructure, shipping and economic cooperation.
Modi said defence collaboration between the two countries had grown steadily and would now expand further in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism. Both leaders also condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and called for stronger international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Trade and investment remained central to the talks. Modi noted that Cypriot investments into India had nearly doubled over the past decade and said the two countries would aim to double them again over the next five years. Cyprus is among the major sources of foreign direct investment into India and is seen by New Delhi as an important gateway to Europe’s financial and strategic architecture.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in financial services, digital innovation, higher education, research, fintech, cultural exchange and mobility. They agreed to work towards a Migration and Mobility Agreement and a Social Security Agreement to protect professionals working across both countries.
Christodoulides said the relationship had entered a “new era”, with visible progress in security, defence, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation, education and economic connectivity. He also backed India’s “rightful place” in a reformed United Nations Security Council, saying global governance must reflect present-day realities.
With Cyprus currently holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, the visit also carried wider strategic significance. Christodoulides described Cyprus as a “trusted, stable and reliable bridge” between India and Europe and strongly supported the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, calling it a visionary initiative for connectivity between the Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Europe.
Cyprus also joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and will co-chair the trade connectivity and maritime transport pillar. The two countries will celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Earlier, Christodoulides visited Mumbai, where he addressed an India-Cyprus business forum, attended the inauguration of Eurobank’s representative office, visited the National Stock Exchange and paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The Cypriot President, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials and business leaders, later posted a selfie with Modi from Hyderabad House, saying the two countries were stepping into a new era of partnership.