Cyprus to work on EU-India strategic partnership
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have underscored the significance of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a transformative, multi-nodal initiative that fosters peace, economic integration, and sustainable development https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
They view IMEC as a catalyst for constructive regional cooperation, they reiterated their shared commitment to promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East and emphasized the importance of fostering deeper engagement and corridors of interconnection from the Indian peninsula through the wider Middle East to Europe.
PM Modi, who made an official visit to Cyprus from 15 to 16 June 2025, and President Christodoulides recognised Cyprus’ role as a gateway into Europe and, in this context, its prospect to serve as a regional hub for transshipment, storage, distribution and logistics https://fieo.org/.
The two leaders also welcomed the prospect of Indian shipping companies establishing a presence in Cyprus, encouraging the advancement of maritime cooperation through joint ventures involving Cyprus-based and Indian maritime service providers as a means of further strengthening economic and logistical ties https://www.nseindia.com/.
Looking ahead to Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening EU–India relations https://www.bseindia.com/.
They recalled the milestone visit of the College of Commissioners to India, and expressed satisfaction on the launch of the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue and the progress already made in the priority areas identified during the visit including in trade, defence and security, maritime, connectivity, clean and green energy, and space https://ccci.org.cy/.
Cyprus pledged to work towards the advancement of the EU-India strategic partnership during the Presidency. Both sides expressed readiness to support the conclusion of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year recognizing its significant economic and strategic potential https://www.eurobank.com.cy/en-us/.
They also expressed their support for the ongoing work through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council and committed to sustaining a forward-looking agenda beyond the 2025 Strategic Roadmap to deepen this key global partnership http://cse.com.cy.
Recognizing the growing strategic complementarity between Cyprus and India, the leaders committed to expanding economic ties through increased trade, investment, and collaboration in science, innovation, and research https://sbi.com.in/.
To advance cooperation, the two leaders noted they would welcome a Cypriot high-level delegation visiting India, including business representatives, as well as the organisation of a Cyprus–India Business Forum to promote investment opportunities.
The two leaders also addressed the Cyprus–India Business Round Table on Advancing a Strategic Economic Partnership, the Prime Minister’s Office said on 16 June.
Both leaders agreed to promote collaboration in research, innovation, and technology, fostering stronger ties between startups, academic institutions, and industry, and supporting innovation exchanges in key sectors like artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and research, with a view of concluding a related MoU .
The two leaders recognized people-to-people ties as a strategic asset and multiplier for deepening economic and cultural ties. The two sides will work to finalise a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025.
Both sides emphasized the value of fostering mutual understanding through cultural and people-to-people ties. They agreed to explore opportunities for enhancing tourism and the establishment of direct air connectivity between Cyprus and India, as well as enhanced air routes via shared partners, to improve ease of travel and boost bilateral exchanges.
Following PM Modi’s visit, a Joint Declaration reaffirms the strategic bond between Cyprus and India. Both leaders noted with satisfaction the progress in ongoing bilateral cooperation and expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to flourish, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across their regions and beyond.
The leaders agreed that an Action Plan is to be prepared in order to guide bilateral relations between Cyprus and India for the next five years, under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
Further, Christodoulides and Modi held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues, underscoring the growing breadth and depth of cooperation between Cyprus and India. They welcomed recent progress in economic, technological, and people-to-people ties, reflective of the dynamic and evolving nature of the relationship.
Acknowledging the increasing alignment of their values, interests, international outlook and vision, both sides expressed their determination to further advance this partnership across key sectors. Cyprus and India committed to deepening their cooperation as trusted and indispensable partners contributing to regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability. Fiinews.com
