Nicosia: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have engaged in discussions aimed at bolstering the diplomatic and economic ties between Cyprus and India. The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia during Modi’s two-day official visit to Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the two leaders adopted a Joint Declaration on implementing a comprehensive partnership, addressing bilateral relations, EU-India relations, regional developments, and prospects for cooperation within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Recent developments regarding the Cyprus issue were also on the agenda. President Christodoulides described the occasion as a ‘special, historic day’, emphasizing the strong and historic ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Christodoulides to visit India, aiming to prepare a roadmap for strengthening cooperation in defense and security over the next five years. President Christodoulides also expressed condolences for the recent Air India plane crash, highlighting the shared historic experiences and strategic orientation between the two countries, grounded in International Law and the UN Charter.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including business, economic, defense, security, infrastructure, tourism, energy, shipping, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The Joint Declaration underscored the commitment to further consolidate strategic relations.
Connectivity issues were another focal point, with Cyprus positioned as a gateway to Europe and a regional base for Indian businesses. The leaders discussed promoting India’s participation in initiatives supporting peace, stability, and prosperity, with Cyprus ready to contribute decisively to these efforts.
Regarding EU-India relations, President Christodoulides assured that the EU-India relationship would be a priority during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, aiming for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to deepen political, commercial, and economic ties.
The Cyprus issue was also addressed, with President Christodoulides expressing gratitude for India’s support for Cyprus’ independence and unity. He reaffirmed Cyprus’ support for India’s actions against terrorism and expressed certainty that the cooperation between Cyprus and India will continue to strengthen across all sectors.
Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the importance of relations with Cyprus, noted the opportunity for a new chapter in their bilateral relations. He highlighted plans for a five-year roadmap to enhance cooperation, focusing on defense and security, including dialogues on cyberspace and maritime security.
Modi also acknowledged Cyprus’ support in India’s fight against terrorism, announcing a mechanism for real-time information exchange to address terrorism, drug, and arms trafficking. He expressed optimism about the trade and investment potential between the two countries, noting enthusiasm from business communities.
The leaders discussed initiatives like the Cyprus-Greece-India Trade Council and areas such as technology, innovation, health, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate justice. Prime Minister Modi also highlighted cultural exchanges, noting the popularity of yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus.
Modi stressed the importance of increasing connectivity, given Cyprus’ popularity as a tourist destination for Indians. He expressed gratitude for Cyprus’ support for India’s UN Security Council membership and anticipated new dimensions in India-EU relations under the Cyprus Presidency.
Concluding the discussions, both leaders acknowledged the potential of the IMEC corridor to foster regional peace and prosperity.