India, Cyprus Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership After Modi-Christodoulides Talks

New Delhi, May 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday held extensive bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi and announced the elevation of India-Cyprus relations to the level of a strategic partnership, marking a significant step forward in cooperation between the two countries.

The high-level discussions focused on strengthening collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, education, culture, mobility, defence and security, artificial intelligence, FinTech, innovation and research. The two leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict and reforms in multilateral institutions.

Prime Minister Modi described President Christodoulides’ visit as an important milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations. Welcoming the Cypriot leader and his delegation, Modi recalled his own visit to Cyprus in June 2025, which helped inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties.

“I am delighted to welcome the President of Cyprus and his delegation to India. Last year, President Christodoulides welcomed us in Cyprus with exceptional warmth and honoured me with Cyprus’s highest civilian award. Today’s visit marks the next milestone in our shared journey,” Modi said during a joint press statement after the talks.

The Prime Minister highlighted the expanding economic relationship between the two countries, noting that Cyprus has emerged as one of India’s top ten investors. He said investments from Cyprus into India have nearly doubled over the past decade and expressed confidence that the upgraded partnership would further accelerate economic cooperation.

“Trust between the two countries has grown significantly. Leveraging new opportunities created through India-European Union engagement, we aim to double investments once again over the next five years,” Modi said.

He emphasised that the friendship between India and Cyprus is rooted in shared democratic values, rule of law and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The friendship between India and Cyprus is both strong and futuristic. Shared faith in democracy and the rule of law forms the foundation of our partnership. India remains fully committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations,” Modi stated.

The leaders also discussed major international challenges and underlined the need for peace and diplomacy. Modi reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at ending ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia through dialogue and peaceful means.

“We remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving an early end to conflicts and establishing peace. We also agree that urgent and meaningful reforms in global institutions are necessary to address growing international challenges,” he said.

Before the talks, the two leaders greeted each other warmly and shared a light-hearted moment by taking a selfie together at Hyderabad House. President Christodoulides also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat earlier in the day.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar separately met the Cypriot President and welcomed his positive approach toward strengthening bilateral ties and India-European Union cooperation.

President Christodoulides arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after completing the Mumbai leg of his India visit. He was received at the airport by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta and accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour.

During his Mumbai visit, the Cypriot President visited the National Stock Exchange of India and rang the NSE bell alongside NSE Chairman Srinivas Injeti and Managing Director and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan. Discussions there focused on financial cooperation and expanding economic engagement between the two countries.

President Christodoulides is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.