India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership:
India and Cyprus elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during the State Visit of the President of Cyprus to New Delhi.
- India and Cyprus elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, IMEEC connectivity, trade, digital payments, space, and migration while strengthening India’s Mediterranean and European outreach.
- Cyprus holds strategic importance for India as an EU gateway, a counterbalance to the Turkey-Pakistan axis, a key node in IMEEC, and a strong supporter of India’s UNSC and NSG aspirations.
Key Highlights of the Bilateral Visit:
- Five-Year Defence Roadmap (2026–2031): The nations unveiled a comprehensive framework to boost collaboration between the Cyprus Defence & Space Industries Cluster (CyDSIC) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
- Cyprus expressed a strong interest in procuring Indian military hardware, including drones and advanced missile systems, recently tested during Operation Sindoor.
- This positions Cyprus as a strategic entry point for Indian defense exports into the European market.
- Counter-Terrorism and Cyber Security: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, alongside a dedicated Cybersecurity Dialogue to combat modern digital and geopolitical threats.
- Cyprus appreciated India’s contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
- Both leaders underscored the critical role of Cyprus in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Cyprus joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative under the Pillar “Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport.”
- The visit welcomed the interoperability of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Target Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) system of the European Central Bank, facilitating seamless financial flows between India and Europe.
- Cyprus announced plans to open a Cyprus Trade Center in Mumbai to enhance trade and investment links.
- India and Cyprus agreed to ensure timely implementation of the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025–2029 to deepen cooperation across strategic sectors.
- India announced the gifting of a BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cube – a state-of-the-art indigenous mobile hospital) to Cyprus.
- The two nations celebrated the first-ever India-Cyprus Space Day (18th May 2026) to foster technological and research collaboration.
- Both countries agreed to establish a Consular Dialogue to strengthen coordination on mobility, visas, and people-to-people ties.
- Both sides agreed to expedite the conclusion of a Migration and Mobility Partnership and a Social Security Agreement to benefit the 15,500-strong Indian diaspora residing in Cyprus.
