New Delhi, India. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus and India share historical experiences and long-standing connections as he addressed a state banquet hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Ancient links and cultural exchange
Christodoulides said that although Cyprus and India are geographically distant and differ in size and population, an “invisible thread” has connected their countries and peoples for centuries. He referred to Indian carnelian beads dating back to the Bronze Age found during archaeological digs in Cyprus, calling them evidence of ancient commercial ties between the Indian subcontinent and the eastern Mediterranean and a reflection of longstanding human connections.
He added that Cyprus and India were linked through commerce and the exchange of cultures and ideas long before established trade routes connected them.
Modern ties and strategic partnership
He said the relationship is also rooted in shared historical experiences, forged through common struggles and strengthened today by a joint commitment to democracy and respect for international law. Looking ahead, he said Cyprus and India will build their strategic partnership on solid foundations and a clear vision.
EU-India relationship
Christodoulides said the growing Cyprus-India partnership does not exist in a vacuum and highlighted the European Union’s closer relationship with India in recent years. He referred to a political agreement announced as concluding a milestone free trade agreement.
He said he believes the EU-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century and added that it can help safeguard stability, resilience, connectivity, and the rules-based international order.
What do you think are the most significant areas for future Cyprus-India cooperation?
