Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held official talks with President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on June 15, 2025. The meeting marked a significant milestone in India-Cyprus relations, as the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in various strategic areas.
The talks began with a ceremonial welcome for Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace. President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Modi had previously met on June 15, 2025, upon landing at the airport, reflecting the strong mutual trust and friendship between the two nations. The leaders discussed the shared values that underpin India-Cyprus relations, reiterating support for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Cyprus for its strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 and the solidarity extended to India in its fight against terrorism. This underscored the strong commitment of both countries to counter terrorism. The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s support for Cyprus’s unity and a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis.
During their meeting, both leaders took stock of ongoing cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, science and research, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties. They explored avenues for collaboration in emerging fields such as fintech, start-ups, defence industry, connectivity, innovation, digitalization, AI, and mobility. A five-year road map was agreed upon to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas, with the establishment of cyber and maritime security dialogues and a mechanism for real-time exchange of information on terrorism, drugs, and arms trafficking issues.
The leaders also welcomed the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed in January 2025, which would solidify the defense partnership between the two countries. They praised the establishment of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council to deepen economic engagement. Air connectivity was also discussed as a means to strengthen business, tourism, knowledge, and innovation linkages.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) would contribute towards peace and prosperity in the region. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and reform of global governance institutions, including UN Security Council reform. President Christodoulides expressed his support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi invited President Christodoulides to visit India, while an MoU was signed to establish an India Studies ICCR Chair at the University of Nicosia. A Joint Declaration on the India-Cyprus Partnership was also issued following the meeting. The talks marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Cyprus, promoting cooperation in various strategic areas.