India, Cyprus seal strategic pact to deepen ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus this week culminated in a wide-ranging agreement that sets the tone for a stronger, more strategic partnership between India and the Eastern Mediterranean nation.

The visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades—included the signing of a joint declaration aimed at boosting cooperation in defense, trade, climate action, and maritime security over the next five years.

Hosted by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides from 15 to 16 June, the summit marked a high point in bilateral ties, which both sides described as rooted in mutual trust, democratic values, and a shared vision for global peace and prosperity.

The declaration outlined a roadmap to elevate India-Cyprus ties to a comprehensive partnership level.

Discussions between Modi and Christodoulides spanned global and regional issues including the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and reform of multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council.

Cyprus reiterated its strong support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded Security Council.

Both countries emphasized their commitment to a rules-based global order, highlighting shared adherence to the UN Charter and international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

India reiterated its support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, backing UN-led efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

In return, Cyprus extended unequivocal support to India on the issue of cross-border terrorism.

Condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, both leaders underscored a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.

They pledged deeper cooperation on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and cyber security. The declaration also called for expedited finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework.

The two sides agreed to expand defense cooperation, particularly in cyber defense, emerging technologies, and maritime collaboration, a statement from India’s ministry of external affairs said.

Regular port calls by Indian naval vessels to Cyprus and potential joint training exercises are being explored. A special focus will be placed on strengthening maritime domain awareness and regional security.

With Cyprus strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, both countries see maritime cooperation as vital to advancing their broader strategic objectives.

A key highlight of the talks was the shared commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which both leaders described as transformative.

Cyprus positioned itself as a natural logistics and transshipment hub within this corridor. Indian shipping companies are being encouraged to set up base in Cyprus, with joint ventures expected to enhance logistical and economic links between the regions.

As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, both countries vowed to push forward the stalled EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

They committed to deeper cooperation via the EU-India Strategic Dialogue and the Trade and Technology Council, targeting progress in green energy, defense, digital infrastructure, and space.

With trade volumes poised for expansion, Modi and Christodoulides announced plans for a Cyprus-India Business Forum and high-level economic delegations.

New initiatives will focus on startup collaboration, innovation exchange, and joint research in digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Academic and industry linkages will be scaled up under a proposed MoU aimed at fostering ties between research institutions and tech startups in both countries.

Underscoring the strategic value of cultural and people-to-people ties, both leaders agreed to finalize a Mobility Pilot Program by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to facilitate legal migration and educational exchanges.

They also discussed direct air connectivity between the two nations to boost tourism and ease of travel. Enhanced cultural cooperation and joint promotional activities in arts, heritage, and education are expected to follow.

To operationalize the commitments made, both nations will draw up a 2025–29 Action Plan under the supervision of their respective foreign ministries. The plan will include periodic reviews to monitor progress across the key pillars of cooperation.

Calling the visit “historic,” Christodoulides noted that the joint declaration is not merely symbolic but sets in motion actionable mechanisms that will shape bilateral relations over the next decade.

Modi, in turn, described Cyprus as a vital partner in India’s broader vision for a peaceful, multipolar and interconnected world.

The new pact signals a strategic recalibration of India’s engagement with the Mediterranean and EU region, and positions Cyprus as a key European partner in its foreign policy outlook.