Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides on Friday held delegation level talks focusing on deepening mutual cooperation in several sectors. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were present during the talks.
After the meeting, PM Modi said that India and Cyprus The friendship is both strong and futuristic. A shared belief in values such as democracy and the rule of law are the cornerstone of our partnership. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
He said that India is fully committed to these principles and will remain so in future also. To be fair, we are aiming to double this investment again over the next five decades and to realize this resolve, today we are elevating our trusted relationship to a strategic partnership.
Investment from Cyprus to India doubled
PM Modi said that in the last decade, investment from Cyprus to India has almost doubled. Increases trust between the two countries, all new activities have been created from the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Addressing the joint press meet with President Christodoulides of Cyprus.@Christodulides
https://t.co/fGPTKnRtyQ— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2026
Today we also discussed global issues. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for an early end to the conflict and peace. We are also unanimous that reform of global institutions is urgent and necessary to address growing global challenges.
Important turning point in the relations between the two countries
In the press conference of the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit of Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides to India was described as an important turning point in the relations between the two countries.
Happy to have met President Nikos Christodoulides in Delhi. We held extensive deliberations on further strengthening the India-Cyprus friendship. Considering the close ties between our nations, we have decided to elevate our friendship into a Strategic Partnership. Ours is indeed pic.twitter.com/36unkio3YK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2026
Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George, Joint Secretary (Southern Europe) Alpana Dubey, India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus Manish and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal were present at the press conference.
It was said in the press conference that India and Cyprus officially gave the status of strategic partnership to their relations. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Cyprus is among the top-10 investors in India and investment from Cyprus to India has almost doubled in the last decade. Both countries have set a target of doubling investment again in the next five years.
According to MEA, India-European Union Free Trade Agreement will open new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries. Cyprus is emerging as an important investment gateway between India and Europe.
Emphasis on trade, investment and gift city
It was agreed to connect the financial and service hubs of both the countries. There will be increased opportunities for Indian companies in the infrastructure, energy and agriculture sectors of Cyprus. There was discussion on promoting investment in India’s shipping and maritime sector.
Emphasis was laid on increasing cooperation to make GIFT City a global financial hub. There was talk of strengthening connectivity between startups and innovation ecosystem.
Focus on defense and security cooperation
The Foreign Ministry said that military exchange and training cooperation between the two countries is continuously increasing. It was agreed to further strengthen cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Enhanced working together on the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was reiterated.
Outcomes that will add momentum to the India-Cyprus friendship! https://t.co/8w5GwjJ202
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2026
The role of Indian professionals and students living in Cyprus was appreciated. Information was given to soon proceed with the work on Migration and Mobility Partnership and Social Security Agreement. Emphasis was laid on increasing research and cultural exchange through connectivity related to culture and higher education.
Discussion on global issues also
It was told in the press conference that the situation in Ukraine and West Asia was also discussed. Both countries agreed on the need for peace efforts and reforms in global institutions.
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