Mumbai, India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis said the partnership between India and Cyprus is “entering its most promising chapter” as he opened the Cyprus-India business forum in Mumbai. He linked the development to President Nikos Christodoulides’ state visit to India, which began on Wednesday.
Christodoulides visit and economic focus
Fadnavis said Christodoulides’ state visit “carries deep significance” and “represents the arrival of a new era in relations between India and Cyprus”. He said the new era will be “driven by economic confidence and a shared vision for the future”.
Shared values and historical ties
Fadnavis said that despite geographic separation, the two countries share values shaped by colonial-era struggles, including belief in democracy, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. He referred to the friendship between late Indian prime minister Jawarhalal Nehru and Cyprus’ founding president Archbishop Makarios III, describing it as being built on trust, solidarity, and a shared belief in a fairer world order.
Recent diplomatic engagement
Fadnavis said Cyprus has been one of India’s most steadfast friends in Europe and that India has supported Cyprus on matters of principle and international law. He said the relationship has been sustained “not only by time, but by consistency”, and described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus last year as historic, saying it opened a new chapter and created momentum for deeper economic collaboration.
Trade corridors and shifting supply chains
Fadnavis said the relationship is evolving into something more substantial, referring to a corridor connecting Europe, the Mediterranean, and India’s growth. In reference to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (Imec), he said global supply chains are being redrawn and that technologies such as artificial intelligence and financial technology are transforming the economy. He said countries and trading blocs are seeking trusted partners and stable markets, and added that India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy in the world.
What areas of economic cooperation between India and Cyprus do you want to follow most closely?