Cyprus and India discuss closer defence ties and technology cooperation

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus and India explored closer defence cooperation at a Tuesday meeting between Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Palmas said the talks centred on the defence industry, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Industrial and technological cooperation

Writing on X, Palmas described the meeting as part of efforts to advance defence relations between the two countries. He said they examined ways to strengthen industrial cooperation in defence and build synergies involving cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

The talks followed a Monday meeting at which a senior delegation from India’s defence ministry and representatives of Cypriot businesses and defence industries considered opportunities for collaboration on defence, space and technologies with both civilian and military uses.

Visit priorities and onward travel

India’s defence ministry identified maritime security and cooperation between defence industries as key priorities for the visit. It follows President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to India in May and efforts to strengthen the countries’ strategic partnership.

Singh is due to travel next to Greece for scheduled meetings with officials responsible for defence and military affairs.