New Delhi — India and Cyprus have jointly called for stronger international accountability to dismantle cross‑border terror networks and to eliminate safe havens used for modern asymmetric warfare. During talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, officials adopted a firm stance against state‑linked militancy and urged faster, binding global measures.
Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George said both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and that Cyprus expressed firm solidarity with India’s efforts to tackle cross‑border violence. The discussions highlighted recent security incidents in India, including the attacks in Pahalgam and near the Red Fort, with both sides stressing that those responsible must face legal consequences.
Recognising that piecemeal regional responses are inadequate against transnational funding and logistical networks, New Delhi and Nicosia pushed for an overhaul of international legal mechanisms. They urged UN member states to overcome procedural delays and finalise a binding global anti‑terrorism instrument, calling specifically for the rapid conclusion and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework.
To translate commitments into action, India and Cyprus agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter‑Terrorism to coordinate efforts on preventing radicalisation and addressing cross‑border threats. Defence cooperation will be expanded, with an emphasis on cybersecurity, maritime domain awareness and integrated counter‑terrorism networks.
The security agenda was part of a broader elevation of bilateral ties: India and Cyprus upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and set up a joint task force to accelerate cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and shipping. Delegations from both countries held extensive talks to map out practical steps for deeper engagement.
President Christodoulides thanked India for its longstanding support for Cyprus’s reunification efforts and reaffirmed Cyprus’s backing for India’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council, saying global governance should reflect current realities.
On the economic front, leaders noted growing commercial ties — capital flows from Cyprus to India have risen substantially over the past decade — and linked further investment potential to progress on the planned India‑EU free trade agreement. Prime Minister Modi said completing that pact would open new business opportunities and could help double bilateral investment within five years.
To support those goals, the two countries signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen digital infrastructure, fintech cooperation and advanced research, and to boost academic exchanges and joint scientific projects. They also agreed to accelerate talks on a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement and a Social Security Agreement to protect professionals working across both jurisdictions.
Both leaders reiterated shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Cypriot president described the meeting as a transformation of the strategic vision into concrete cooperation across security, defense, technology, maritime cooperation, education and economic connectivity.
President Christodoulides led a high‑level Cypriot delegation that included Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, senior officials and business leaders to deepen the partnership and advance the new bilateral agenda.
