India and Cyprus upgraded bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, announcing new cooperation in defence, shipping, counter-terrorism and investment sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides during delegation-level talks in New Delhi on Friday. | ANI video grab
India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announcing a broad expansion in cooperation spanning trade, defence, maritime security, technology and counter-terrorism.
The announcement came after delegation-level talks between the two leaders in New Delhi, where both sides also exchanged multiple Memorandums of Understanding and unveiled plans to deepen economic and strategic engagement between New Delhi and Nicosia.
Advertisement
The move marks a significant diplomatic upgrade in ties between the two countries and comes less than a year after PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2025, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean nation in more than two decades.
Advertisement
Addressing a joint press statement, PM Modi said the newly announced Strategic Partnership would bring “new ambition and new momentum” to bilateral ties.
“The bond between India and Cyprus has repeatedly stood the test of time. Today, with the formation of the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership, we are set to infuse our relations with new ambition and new momentum,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting growing economic cooperation, the Prime Minister said investments from Cyprus into India had nearly doubled over the past decade.
“Investment from Cyprus to India has nearly doubled over the past decade, reflecting the growing trust between our two countries,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi | Addressing the joint press meet with President Christodoulides of Cyprus, PM Modi says, “To strengthen our ties further, we have formed a consensus on a migration and mobility agreement and a social security agreement. We are also making agreements on higher… pic.twitter.com/hSoYrFLfdU
— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2026
PM Modi also linked future growth to the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations and said both countries were aiming to double investment again over the next five years.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the partnership had already begun producing “tangible results” across several sectors, including defence, technology and maritime cooperation.
“What began as a strategic vision is now evolving into a concrete partnership,” he said.
Christodoulides also announced the creation of a joint task force focused on infrastructure, shipping and economic cooperation.
The Cypriot President thanked India for its longstanding support on the Cyprus reunification issue and reiterated Cyprus’s backing for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
Among the agreements exchanged during the visit was an MoU establishing a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
PM Modi said both countries had also agreed to expand cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism operations.
“Our defence collaboration with Cyprus has also increased. We have also decided to expand cooperation in areas of cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism,” Modi said.
The two sides also discussed migration, mobility, fintech, digital infrastructure, education and scientific research collaborations.
President Christodoulides is on a four-day State Visit to India from May 20 to 23 and is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades and senior business leaders.
Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, adding broader diplomatic significance to the visit amid India’s growing engagement with Europe.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi hosted a luncheon for the visiting leader at Hyderabad House. President Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to host a state banquet in honour of the Cypriot President.
Advertisement
