Ashish Chauhan: The collaboration between NSE IX and CSE will help wealth creation and job creation in both countries

In exclusive comments to CBN after visiting the Cyprus Stock Exchange as part of an official delegation from the National Stock Exchange of India, Ashish Chauhan, MD and CEO of NSE Group, talked about the many benefits of the new collaboration between the two bodies.

More specifically, Chauhan said, “The signing of MoU between NSE International Exchange and Cyprus Stock Exchange is the beginning of the process of achieving further collaboration in the financial arena between India and Cyprus. Dual listing, development of new products to trade cross-border, enhancing financial literacy etc, are going to be useful for bringing the people of two countries together in commerce and investments.”

Cyprus as a gateway to Europe

As he noted, the MoU also means that, “ Indian investors will be able to take Cyprus as a gateway to Europe and Cypriot companies will be able to raise funds from across the world in a tax efficient special economic zone GIFT city at gandhinagar, gujarat - a dream project of (India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Mr Modi who has encouraged setting up of this fast developing International financial services center.”

As Chauhan pointed out, “The collaboration between NSE IX and CSE will help wealth creation and job creation in both countries in addition to bringing the best international practices, new instruments, and latest trading technologies to Cyprus, bringing it on par with the best exchanges in the world. The parent exchange of NSE IX, NSE is currently considered as the largest exchange in the world in terms of number of orders per day, number of trades per day, derivatives trading etc.”

Immense collaboration potential

The official also pointed out that there is immense potential for both countries to collaborate in many areas, starting with finance.

“Defence is another major area that was discussed during the high-level meetings between the two heads of state. India is one of the largest defense equipment producers and especially in the modern areas of drone, anti-drone, missiles, defense aeroplanes, satellites, radars etc., India has some extremely useful and competitive solutions. India is known for its IT, Artificial Intelligence, Pharmaceutical industry, heavy industry, hi-tech mobile and server industries, automobile and electric cars etc. The potential for collaboration is immense in all these areas,” he went on to note.

Chauhan also underlined, “Cyprus brings its own capabilities in many of these areas with a diverse, extremely connected population. Collaboration between industries from two countries can help both sides raise the bar and give better, larger markets for them. Cyprus with its great tourism potential can increase the inbound tourists from India manifold as Indians are known for being amongst the largest group of travellers across the world, spending large sums. Cyprus can act as a gateway to Europe for Indian companies.”

A long and great relationship

As the official went on to tell CBN, “ ⁠India and Cyprus have always had a great relationship over the last 75 years. Both share a Commonwealth connection and, English-speaking population. The latest visit to Cyprus this week by Mr Modi, the most popular, dynamic and visionary leader from India has increased the profile of Cyprus amongst the Indian masses. In the currently fast-changing world of Geo Politics, Geo Economics and institutional instability, India’s high economic growth and policy stability will help both countries achieve their long term objectives in a systematic way.”

He also noted that ⁠India and Cyprus stand to gain significantly over the long term from their newly deepened partnership across several strategic dimensions, which Chauhan listed as :

Strategic Gateway to Europe

• Cyprus becomes a springboard for Indian businesses entering the EU market, leveraging full EU membership and serving as a convenient transshipment and investment hub
• India, through Cyprus, gains improved access to European markets, aligning with broader trade goals, including an India–EU Free Trade Agreement expected by end‑2025.

India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC)

• Cyprus’s strategic location anchors this ambitious corridor—enhancing regional peace and prosperity through maritime and rail connectivity
• India benefits from a direct route into Europe, reducing supply chain friction and fostering energy/trade diversification.

Economic & Financial Integration

• Joint initiatives: MoUs—such as between NSE International (GIFT‑City) and the Cyprus Stock Exchange, and NPCI (India) with Eurobank—open opportunities for dual listings and seamless UPI payments in Cyprus and beyond .
• Trilateral synergy: The India‑Greece‑Cyprus Business Council expands reach in logistics, energy, tourism, tech innovation, and AI—benefiting all partners.

Security & Defence Collaboration

• Strengthened ties in maritime security, cyber defence, and counter‑terrorism—with naval exchanges, rescues, and intelligence sharing mechanisms—enhance stability across the Eastern Mediterranean.

Technology, Innovation & Services

• Indian tech (AI, fintech, shipping, digital payments) connects with Cyprus’s vibrant start‑up ecosystem.
• Cypriot incentives and IP advantages spark interest from Indian firms setting up European innovation bases.

People-to-People & Mobility

• Agreements on visa facilitation, direct air links, educational exchanges, cultural outreach, and facilitation of tourism and diaspora engagement enhance mutual goodwill and talent flows.

Also read: Cyprus and India stock exchange officials agree to enhance cooperation