India–Cyprus Strategic Partnership

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Cyprus marked the first by an Indian PM in over two decades. The visit culminated in the conferment of Cyprus's highest civilian honour and the expansion of strategic, economic, and multilateral cooperation between the two nations.

India–Cyprus Relations | Strategic, Economic & Multilateral Dimensions

1. Diplomatic Significance of the Visit

First visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over 20 years.
PM Modi conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian honour.
Symbolic tour of UN ceasefire line in Nicosia—acknowledging Cyprus’s geopolitical context.

2. Strategic and Security Cooperation

Agreement on real-time intelligence sharing for combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
Cyprus strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, expressing solidarity with India.
Both nations reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

3. Multilateral and Global Cooperation

Cyprus reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Support for India's inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Shared concern over global conflicts (Ukraine, West Asia), endorsing dialogue-based resolutions.
Strong backing for India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by end of 2025.

4. Economic and Technological Engagement

Emphasis on aligning India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” with Cyprus’s “Vision 2035.”
Roadmap creation for next five years in trade, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Agreed upon finalisation of a Mobility Agreement to streamline labour and skilled workforce exchange.
Focus on cooperation in renewable energy, healthcare, climate justice, and digital technology.

5. Cultural and People-to-People Exchange

Recognition of the growing popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus.
Plans to expand cultural linkages and tourism.

6. Geo-Economic Connectivity

Endorsement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a peace-building infrastructure.
Seen as an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), boosting strategic maritime and trade partnerships.

7. Way Forward

Operationalise the Mobility Agreement swiftly to boost skilled labour movement and people-to-people ties.
Strengthen trilateral cooperation involving India, Cyprus, and EU for green technologies and digital innovation.
Leverage Cyprus’s EU influence to expedite the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Deepen maritime cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and explore defence diplomacy.