Stavros Stavrou: Cyprus and India united by a shared history of values

"I would like to say that the CCCI supports every effort aimed at further developing the business relations between Cyprus and India. From shipping and maritime cooperation, to fintech, and digital transformation, pharmaceuticals, green energy, agriculture and academic exchange," Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Stavros Stavrou has said.

Stavrou was speaking at a high-level business forum held in Limassol on 15 June, during which the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, described their common vision for broader bilateral relations.

The business forum, organised by the Presidency of the Republic, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) and Invest Cyprus, took place in the presence of the elite of our island's business community and a large delegation of businessmen from India.

Among other things, during his address at the event, Stavrou also noted, "The Cypriot- Indian business community is growing, and with your visit, and the developments along the IMEC corridor, we hope to elevate this growth into lasting strategic partnerships."

His full speech can be read below:

Your Excellency, Honorable President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Nicos Christodoulides,

Your Excellency, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

Your Excellencies Ministers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with profound warmth and deep respect that I welcome His Excellency the Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr Modi, together with his delegation to the Republic of Cyprus. Your presence here today, Your Excellency, is a great honor, not only to our government but to all Cypriots who hold India in the highest regard — as a trusted partner, a cultural beacon, and a steadfast friend

First of all, I would like to express, from this podium as well, our sincere condolences to the Prime Minister and to the people of the friendly nation of India, for the tragic accident that occurred a few days ago in India, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people. Our thoughts are with them and with their families.

Unfortunately, today’s important business meeting also takes place under the shadow of the military conflict that has erupted in our region between Israel and Iran. Our hope and expectation is that reason will prevail and this conflict will come to an end, as its consequences could be catastrophic for all of humanity.

Our countries may lie on opposite ends of the continent, but we are united by a shared history of values. We will always remember with gratitude India’s principled support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Cyprus via a consistent voice in international forums, especially during difficult chapters in our history.

India was among the first nations to recognise the Republic of Cyprus after our independence in 1960, and ever since, we have enjoyed a relationship marked by consistency and friendship. The state visit of President Makarios to India in 1962 — and the warm ties he forged with Prime Minister Nehru — set the tone for decades of close cooperation. Your own leadership, Prime Minister Modi, continues that legacy with new vision and renewed energy.

But our bond stretches even further back. During the Second World War, Cypriot and Indian soldiers served under the same Allied flag, fighting in the deserts of North Africa and the mountains of Italy to our joint contribution to the cause of freedom and peace.

Following on the same team spirit and turning to today’s discussion, we see tremendous promise in expanding our collaboration in the business sectors for the mutual benefit of our countries.

The dialogue for closer cooperation continues today with your visit to Cyprus, and we are confident that we will find many points of convergence to move forward with practical steps that will enhance the business footprint of our cooperation.

I would like to say that the CCCI supports every effort aimed at further developing the business relations between Cyprus and India.

From shipping and maritime cooperation, to fintech, and digital transformation, pharmaceuticals, green energy, agriculture and academic exchange. The Cypriot- Indian business community is growing, and with your visit, and the developments along the IMEC corridor we hope to elevate this growth into lasting strategic partnerships.

We also cherish the deepening cultural connections. Indian art, yoga, and especially the cuisine, are warmly embraced here in Cyprus.

Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union and the Eurozone, can serve as a channel to promote Euro–Indian relations, and India can assist Cyprus in many sectors.

The CCCI wants, and is able, to play a leading role in this effort. That is why we are here today—to welcome the business delegation from India and to send the message that, despite the major challenges in the international arena, through close cooperation we can achieve a great deal.

I would like to assure you that the CCCI is at your disposal for any assistance and support you may need. We are confident that today’s roundtable discussion will include many contributions that will help expand cooperation between our two countries.

Prime Minister Modi, your visit is a symbol of our enduring ties — and of our shared commitment to a future built on cooperation, sustainability, and global harmony, for the benefit of both our countries and our people.

As your great leader, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “The future depends on what we do in the present”. So let's start this joint team effort here, today, in an effort to formulate a better future for our two nation. Thank you very much.