Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced the elevation of India-Cyprus relations to a Strategic Partnership following talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, describing the move as a step that would give “new ambition and new momentum” to bilateral ties.
In a joint press statement in New Delhi, PM Modi said the friendship between India and Cyprus is rooted in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“A shared belief in values like democracy and the rule of law is the foundation of our partnership. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India is and will remain fully committed to these principles,” PM Modi said.
Welcoming President Christodoulides and his delegation to India, the Prime Minister recalled his own visit to Cyprus last year, where he was conferred the country’s highest civilian honour.
Highlighting the growing economic partnership, PM Modi said Cyprus has emerged as one of India’s top ten investors and noted that investments from Cyprus into India have nearly doubled over the past decade.
“The India-EU Free Trade Agreement has opened up many new opportunities. Capitalizing on this, we aim to double this investment again in the next five years,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the newly announced Strategic Partnership would strengthen cooperation in commerce, finance, innovation, infrastructure, shipping and maritime sectors.
“This strategic partnership between India and Cyprus will unlock capital for commerce by connecting the financial and services hubs of both countries,” he said, adding that the two sides would work together to strengthen Gujarat’s GIFT City as a global financial and services hub.
PM Modi said defence and security cooperation remain important pillars of the bilateral relationship, noting that military exchanges and training cooperation have expanded significantly in recent years.
“Today we also decided to further strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism,” he said.
The two countries also agreed to cooperate on regional connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
PM Modi highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals and students in Cyprus in strengthening people-to-people ties and announced that both sides would work towards concluding a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership and a Social Security Agreement.
India and Cyprus also signed agreements in culture and higher education aimed at boosting academic collaboration and cultural exchanges.
On global issues, PM Modi said both leaders exchanged views on developments in Ukraine and West Asia and reiterated support for peace and diplomatic resolution of conflicts.
“We also agree that reform of global institutions is urgent and important to address growing global challenges,” the Prime Minister said.
Concluding his remarks, PM Modi said the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership would help both countries move “from cooperation to co-creation, and from partnership to shared prosperity.”
“India and Cyprus – together, we will build a safer, more prosperous, and better future,” he added.
