The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Cyprus in Mumbai, Viraj Kulkarni, recently presented the outcome of efforts for initiatives and opportunities for cooperation between Cyprus and India made during the India–Cyprus Conclave meetings in Nicosia.
As Kulkarni notes in a LinkedIn post, the events “significantly enhanced India–Cyprus business and trade relations and exemplified commitment to foster meaningful dialogues and collaborative opportunities”.
As his post continues, the meetings’ industry-focused agenda sparked impactful conversations, growth and collaboration, having been jointly hosted by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI).
“As Chairman of BCCI International Trade Committee, I led the Indian Delegation,” Kulkarni continues, outlining highlights including Dr Rajesh Gawande, Secretary (FDI & Protocol), extending an invitation for investments into Maharashtra, reinforced by encouraging remarks from Shri Jaykumar Rawal, the Honourable Minister of Marketing & Protocol.
Noting that the events were co-curated by CCCI and BCCI to maximise outcomes, he says the main aim was the formation of strategic business partnerships and entrepreneurial collaboration.
As Kulkarni points out in his post, the events also included the participation of the largest Indian delegation to Cyprus, with 24 delegates and over 100 registrations from Cyprus, also the highest to date, taking part in a structured flow of private meetings, field visits, one-on-ones and conference-enhanced engagement.
He reveals that results from meetings included that a major collaboration was finalised between a Cypriot company and a Mumbai tech firm, with three more in advanced discussions.
He also points out that the CCCI-hosted dinner at a traditional Nicosia tavern created warmth and camaraderie.
Additional engagements by the Honorary Consul, meanwhile, included cultural events such as an elegant Christmas event hosted by InvestCyprus, and an interaction “with the dynamic First Lady of the Republic of Cyprus, who embodies leadership and engagement”.
There was also a Rotary Sister Club Agreement between four Cyprus clubs and Mumbai Pier, and meetings with key policymakers at the Presidential Palace, including with the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Research and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.
Kulkarni also notes that there had been pre-event and post-event discussions among delegates to optimise outcomes and insights, as well as diplomatic meetings with H.E. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in India, and India’s High Commissioner H.E. Manish, with Subhash Jangala.
Sectoral engagements, meanwhile, also took place in the legal, tax, real estate, technology, education, tourism and banking sectors.
“The Conclave set a new benchmark with record participation and key collaborative agreements, strengthening ties and expanding the India–Cyprus business horizon,” Kulkarni’s post concludes.
