India, Cyprus Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership: PM Modi

New Delhi, May 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a major step forward in cooperation across trade, investment, security, connectivity and innovation.

Speaking during a joint press statement with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi, PM Modi warmly welcomed the visiting leader and recalled the hospitality extended to him during his visit to Cyprus last year.

The Prime Minister said the relationship between India and Cyprus is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect for sovereignty and a strong belief in the rule of law. He noted that both countries have consistently supported peace, stability and international cooperation.

PM Modi said India and Europe are entering a new phase in their partnership, and Cyprus is emerging as an important bridge and investment gateway between India and the European Union.

Highlighting growing economic ties, the Prime Minister said Cyprus is among the top 10 investors in India and investments from the Mediterranean nation have nearly doubled over the past decade. He expressed confidence that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement would open up fresh opportunities for economic cooperation.

He announced that both countries are aiming to double bilateral investment once again over the next five years. To achieve this goal, the two nations have decided to elevate their trusted relationship into a full-fledged strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister said the partnership will strengthen cooperation between the financial and services sectors of both countries and unlock new commercial opportunities. He added that Indian companies will gain greater opportunities in Cyprus in areas such as infrastructure, energy and agriculture, while Cyprus will play a bigger role in India’s rapidly growing shipping and maritime sectors.

PM Modi also said India and Cyprus will work together to strengthen GIFT City as a global financial and services hub. Both sides will also promote stronger links between their innovation and startup ecosystems.

Defence and security cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. PM Modi said military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries have expanded significantly in recent years. The two sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts.

The leaders further discussed major connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, with both countries agreeing to work together to improve regional and global connectivity.

PM Modi also highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals and students living in Cyprus in strengthening people-to-people ties. He said both countries have agreed to work towards an early conclusion of a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership agreement, along with a social security agreement.

The Prime Minister added that agreements in the fields of culture and higher education would further deepen academic exchanges, research cooperation and cultural ties between the two nations.

On global issues, both leaders exchanged views on conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and reiterated support for peace and dialogue. PM Modi stressed that reforms in global institutions are urgently needed to address growing international challenges.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister said the India-Cyprus relationship has repeatedly stood the test of time and expressed confidence that the new strategic partnership would bring fresh momentum, ambition and speed to bilateral ties.

List of Outcomes: State Visit of President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides to India

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