NICOSIA, Cyprus, May 24 (ANI) — Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday shared highlights from his landmark visit to India and praised the growing partnership between New Delhi and Nicosia.
He emphasized that the relationship is already delivering results across areas such as security, defense, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation, and economic connectivity.
In a post on X, the Cypriot president said, “What began as a vision is now evolving into a concrete strategic partnership. A partnership already producing tangible results across key areas including security, defense, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation and economic connectivity. The sky is the limit!”
India and Cyprus on Friday significantly expanded bilateral ties across multiple sectors, elevating their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The two countries signed six memorandums of understanding and agreements and announced a roadmap for defense cooperation for 2026-2031, along with the establishment of a cybersecurity dialogue.
The announcements were made during the visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India.
The initiatives also include the establishment of a consular dialogue between India and Cyprus, Cyprus joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative under the pillar “Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport,” the gifting of a Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISM) Cube to Nicosia, and the Cypriot side’s intention to open a Cyprus Trade Center in Mumbai.
President Christodoulides also praised the growing relationship between India and the European Union and strongly backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a “visionary initiative.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that extensive discussions were held on strengthening the India-Cyprus partnership further.
Calling the relationship a “strong and futuristic partnership rooted in shared values,” Modi said the growing investment ties between the two nations were a matter of great satisfaction.
He noted that discussions focused on expanding cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and financial services.
Modi also emphasized that defense and security cooperation would remain an important pillar of bilateral relations, alongside efforts to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.
On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet in honor of the visiting Cypriot leader. During the event, Murmu said Cyprus could play a significant role during its Presidency of the European Union Council in advancing economic cooperation between India and Europe, particularly following the conclusion of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Murmu also appreciated Cyprus’ support on issues such as cross-border terrorism and reform of multilateral institutions.
She reiterated India’s unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
As both countries prepare to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, officials said the Cyprus president’s visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation within the broader India-European Union framework. (ANI)
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