During Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’s state visit to India, both New Delhi and Nicosia highlighted the India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a major initiative with the potential to reshape global trade, improve connectivity and spur shared prosperity. The Ministry of External Affairs said the leaders reiterated their support for deeper engagement across the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
At a special media briefing, Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the MEA, said the two countries affirmed the importance of IMEC and committed to bolstering connectivity projects and regional stability. They underlined the need to strengthen transport and logistics links that would more directly connect India to Europe via the Middle East.
Officials discussed launching a bilateral connectivity dialogue to coordinate work on infrastructure, trade routes, logistics and strategic linkages. The talks also explored ways to expand cooperation in trade and investment, maritime affairs and regional connectivity, reflecting a shared interest in turning corridor ideas into tangible projects.
Unveiled in 2023, IMEC envisions an Eastern Corridor linking India to the Gulf and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe. Planned elements include rail lines, ship‑rail transit systems and road transport routes designed to shorten transit times and diversify trade pathways between South Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
President Christodoulides visited India from May 20 to 23 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi; the trip marked his first state visit in his current role, according to the MEA. Both sides framed the dialogue as an early step toward closer coordination on connectivity and regional stability as IMEC moves from concept toward implementation.
The MEA described the discussions as constructive and said India and Cyprus would continue working together to support initiatives that enhance trade, resilience and prosperity across the wider region.
