New Delhi, May 22 (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks on Friday with Nikos Christodoulides to further strengthen the broad-based and trusted partnership between India and Cyprus. In a significant development, the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. The leaders also signed several agreements covering counter-terrorism, maritime security, diplomatic training, innovation, education and culture.

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions covered a wide range of issues including trade and investment, defence and security, maritime and financial connectivity, technology and innovation, mobility, education, culture and India-European Union relations. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.

The Ministry stated that India and Cyprus reached agreements on 14 key areas. Both nations agreed to transform their relationship into a strategic partnership, which is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and enhance cooperation in the security sector.

The two countries will establish a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism. Cyprus also decided to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. India will gift its state-of-the-art indigenous mobile hospital system, *BHISHM Cube*, to Cyprus. Additionally, the two countries have prepared a five-year roadmap for defence cooperation.

Memorandums of Understanding were also signed in areas including diplomatic training, higher education and research, cultural exchange and cooperation, innovation and technology. India and Cyprus will further cooperate in search and rescue operations, cyber security and diplomatic dialogue mechanisms. The two countries also celebrated India-Cyprus Space Day on May 18, while a Cyprus Business Centre was inaugurated in Mumbai.

Following the talks, the two leaders issued a joint statement. Prime Minister Modi said that growing trust between India and Cyprus, along with the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), had opened new avenues of opportunity, and both countries would work towards doubling Cypriot investment in India once again over the next five years. He also formally announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister noted that investment from Cyprus into India had nearly doubled over the past decade, reflecting increasing mutual confidence between the two nations. He added that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement had created fresh economic possibilities, and both countries intended to capitalise on these opportunities to further expand investments.

He said that India-Cyprus relations had repeatedly stood the test of time and that the elevation to a strategic partnership would bring “new ambition and new speed” to bilateral ties. The two countries also agreed on migration and mobility arrangements as well as a social security agreement. Further cooperation in higher education and cultural exchanges is also being strengthened.

Prime Minister Modi stated that India-Europe relations were entering a new golden era. At a time when Cyprus is set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the country is emerging as an important investment gateway between India and Europe.

Referring to global issues, Modi said that whether in Ukraine or West Asia, India would continue to support efforts aimed at the early resolution of conflicts and the restoration of peace. He also emphasised the urgent need for meaningful reforms in global institutions to address rising international challenges.

In the joint statement, President Nikos Christodoulides said that Cyprus supports India’s growing global role and believes that India deserves its rightful place in the United Nations Security Council. He also thanked India for its unwavering support towards the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus.

The Cypriot President said that Cyprus is uniquely positioned to serve as a reliable, stable and trusted bridge between India and Europe, as well as between the European Union, the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East. In the current period of geopolitical uncertainty, he expressed strong belief that the partnership between the European Union and India must grow even stronger. He added that Cyprus-India relations are rooted in shared historical experiences and common values.

He further said that bilateral relations are now evolving into a robust strategic partnership that is already delivering tangible outcomes in critical sectors such as security, defence, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation, education and economic connectivity.

It is noteworthy that President Nikos Christodoulides is currently on a four-day state visit to India. Prior to arriving in New Delhi, he visited Mumbai. He reached the national capital on Thursday and earlier on Friday paid floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar