Cyprus could expand defence and maritime cooperation with India, expert says

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has the potential to become a significant partner as India broadens its defence and maritime security strategy, Indian defence expert Professor Swasti Rao told the Cyprus Mail. She identified scope for joint industrial ventures, cooperation on cybersecurity and engagement between naval forces.

From diplomacy to practical cooperation

Rao, who advises India’s defence ministry on the defence industry, spoke after Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Cyprus. She said bilateral ties were advancing beyond diplomatic statements, but putting agreements into practice remained the next challenge.

She cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 visit, the first visit to Cyprus by an Indian prime minister for 23 years, as evidence of India’s increasingly substantive interest in the country.

According to Rao, the defence cooperation programme covering 2026, a subsequent roadmap spanning five years and an agreement linking the countries’ defence industry organisations provide a framework for both governments to convert political backing into continuing cooperation.

Singh’s meetings with Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and the Cyprus Naval Command were a further sign that the relationship had entered a practical phase, she said.

Technology and industrial opportunities

Rao said Cyprus’ location, membership of the EU and developing defence technology sector created possibilities for collaboration.

Potential fields included surveillance of coastal areas, systems to counter drones, unmanned platforms, secure communications and protection against cyber threats, she said.

Although Cyprus represents a smaller market, Rao said its businesses could provide specialised software and sensors, alongside integration and testing expertise. She argued that cooperation should focus on the capabilities Cyprus requires and the contribution each country can make, rather than comparisons between the scale of their industries.

Scope for cooperation with other partners

Rao also identified opportunities to work with countries that already have defence ties with both Cyprus and India, notably Greece, Israel and France.