Nicosia:India's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus remains unwavering, as stated by Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, during a Diwali celebration at the Presidential Palace on Monday evening.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the High Commissioner emphasized the strengthening strategic partnership between India and Cyprus, following recent high-level visits by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cyprus in June 2025 and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to India in May 2026. These visits have provided new impetus to bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, and defense.

The roadmap for cooperation between India and Cyprus from 2026 to 2031 focuses on defense and security as a key pillar. Additionally, maritime cooperation has seen progress with the first meeting of the Joint Committee in September, and Cyprus' Deputy Minister of Shipping is scheduled to lead a delegation to India in November. The High Commissioner also highlighted collaborations in digital payments between Eurobank and NPCI International, as well as the potential developments from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Manish expressed gratitude to Cyprus' Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and rescue services for their efforts in saving ten crew members, including nine Indian nationals, from the sinking vessel AS Dream off Cyprus' coast on October 30. He also mentioned the upcoming 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Cyprus on February 10, 2027, expressing optimism for continued cooperation.

The Diwali celebration, hosted by President Christodoulides and the First Lady, was described by Manish as a significant gesture of friendship towards the Indian community in Cyprus. He reflected on Diwali's message of light, hope, and goodness, underscoring the meaningful impact of the partnership between the two nations.