Synopsis
India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. The agreement focuses on trade, investment, defense, cybersecurity, mobility, and technology cooperation, while both countries aim to deepen economic and geopolitical ties.
Speaking after the meeting, PM Modi said the new partnership would bring ‘new ambition and new momentum’ to relations between the two countries. He emphasized that India and Cyprus have maintained a strong and trusted relationship over the years, and the upgraded partnership reflects growing strategic alignment. “The bond between India and Cyprus has repeatedly stood the test of time”, Modi said during the joint press statement.
Economic cooperation emerged as a central focus of the discussions. Modi noted that investments from Cyprus into India have nearly doubled over the past decade, reflecting increasing confidence between businesses and investors from both countries.
To support these goals, both countries signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering digital infrastructure, fintech, research collaboration, student exchange programs, and scientific innovation. The two sides also agreed to work toward finalizing a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement along with a Social Security Agreement aimed at protecting professionals working in both countries.
Security and defense cooperation also received significant attention during the talks. India and Cyprus established a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to strengthen cooperation against radicalization and cross-border threats.
“Our defence collaboration with Cyprus has also increased”, Modi said. “We have also decided to expand cooperation in areas of cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism”.
Cyprus holds strategic importance due to its location in the Eastern Mediterranean and its current Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Analysts view the partnership as part of India’s broader effort to deepen engagement with Europe and strengthen geopolitical partnerships in critical regions.
PM Modi also highlighted shared democratic values and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity as the foundation of the partnership. “The friendship between India and Cyprus is both strong and forward-looking,” Modi said. “Our partnership is founded on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law”.
President Christodoulides arrived in India with a high-level delegations that included Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, senior officials, and business leaders.
Before arriving in New Delhi, the Cyprus President visited Maharashtra, where he met state leaders and business executives to discuss cooperation in shipping, logistics, and financial services.
The visit carries added diplomatic significance because it comes less than a year after PM Modi’s landmark visit to Cyprus in June 2025, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean country in more than two decades.