Narendra Modi reveals five-year roadmap to boost Cyprus-India defence and security cooperation (pics)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Cyprus and India will prepare a five-year roadmap to strengthen cooperation in defence and security, after meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.

Christodoulides, meanwhile, said the Indian PM's "landmark visit" has given the Cyprus–India partnership new momentum of strategic importance.

Statements from the Presidential Palace

President Christodoulides welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the Presidential Palace, before extending condolences for the recent Air India plane crash.

He described Modi’s presence as a historic moment, and a clear testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, trust, practical cooperation, and solidarity between Cyprus and India.

He emphasised the shared values between the two nations—freedom, self-determination, peace, dialogue, democracy, and international law. These relations, he said, are founded on a strategic orientation rooted in International Law and the UN Charter, including the Law of the Sea, and the defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Key discussion areas

During the visit, the leaders discussed:

• Bilateral relations
• EU–India relations
• Regional developments
• The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
• The Cyprus issue

Christodoulides outlined Cyprus’ strategic advantages, including its geographical position as a gateway to Europe, shared legal framework, infrastructure, and skilled workforce, which position Cyprus as India’s access point to the EU and the Mediterranean, and as a regional hub for Indian businesses.

He also highlighted areas for expanded cooperation, including defence and security, infrastructure, crisis management, tourism, energy cooperation, shipping, and innovation and artificial intelligence (AI).

To this end, the two countries have adopted a Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership, reflecting their shared political will to deepen strategic ties.

Connectivity and regional role

Christodoulides stressed Cyprus' pivotal position at the crossroads of three continents and its potential to promote India's participation in regional peace and development initiatives.

As the EU member state closest to India, Cyprus is ready to play a key role in enabling regional connectivity initiatives like IMEC, linking India with Europe through the Gulf and the Mediterranean.

During its EU Council Presidency, Cyprus will prioritise EU–India relations and support the advancement of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement, the President revealed.

He also briefed Modi on the Cyprus reunification talks and expressed gratitude for India’s longstanding support of Cyprus’ sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Cyprus also appreciates India’s contributions to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, with hundreds of Indian peacekeepers having served honorably.

Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’ full support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism, including after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, stating:

"Terrorism can never be accepted in any form. Cyprus stands with India in defending the right to security for its citizens."

Modi’s response

Speaking through an interpreter, Prime Minister Modi said: "From the moment I set foot in Cyprus, the friendship and warmth shown by the President and the Cypriot people touched my heart."

He noted that the honour bestowed upon him by Cyprus was not just personal but extended to 1.4 billion Indians, symbolising the strong friendship between the two nations.

Modi stressed the importance of shared values such as democracy and the rule of law, and said: "The friendship between India and Cyprus transcends circumstances and borders—it has stood the test of time."

He stressed that it has been over two decades since an Indian Prime Minister visited Cyprus, making this an ideal moment to open a new chapter.

Strategic roadmap and business cooperation

Modi and Christodoulides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations. He pointed out similarities between Cyprus’ Vision 2035 and India’s Vision 2047, stating they will jointly shape the future and set a strategic direction.

They agreed to create a five-year roadmap to boost defence and security cooperation, defence industry partnerships, cybersecurity and maritime security dialogue, and real-time intelligence sharing between agencies to counter terrorism, drug and arms trafficking.

Modi highlighted strong potential in trade and investment, referencing the success of the Cyprus–Greece–India Investment Council, and emphasised mutual interest in technology, innovation, health, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate justice.

Tourism and diplomacy

Modi praised Cyprus as a popular tourism destination for Indians, and a trusted EU partner. He also thanked Cyprus for its support of India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

He concluded by inviting President Christodoulides to visit India, reaffirming that: "India and Cyprus will continue to walk side by side, strengthening cooperation across all sectors."

(Photos: PIO)