New Delhi, May 22, 2026 — India and Cyprus agreed on Friday to elevate their diplomatic relationship to a Strategic Partnership after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi. The decision signals a push to deepen cooperation across economic, security and people‑to‑people fronts.
Prime Minister Modi, posting on X, described the move as a forward‑looking partnership grounded in shared values. Leaders discussed a broad agenda to expand collaboration in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology and financial services, and underlined defence and security as essential elements of the renewed relationship. Cultural exchanges and stronger people‑to‑people links were also emphasized.
In a joint press statement at Hyderabad House, both sides highlighted growing investment ties: Cypriot investment into India has nearly doubled over the past decade. Officials linked that momentum to evolving India‑EU trade dynamics and said the two countries aim to double investment flows within five years by exploiting new market and policy opportunities.
President Christodoulides, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, praised expanding India‑EU engagement and voiced strong support for the India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He described Cyprus as well‑placed to act as a reliable bridge between New Delhi and Brussels, reinforcing the island’s role in wider Europe‑India cooperation.
With 2027 marking 65 years of diplomatic ties, both governments called this state visit a pivotal moment to build fresh momentum and broaden cooperation under the new Strategic Partnership framework. Officials signaled follow‑up measures and delegations to translate political commitments into concrete projects and increased trade.
Report source: ANI.
