Cyprus highlights strategic partnership with India

Nicosia, Cyprus. The presidential palace on Wednesday said Cyprus’ deepening relations with India offer new markets, investments and strategic perspectives for the island.

It said the upgrade of relations to a strategic partnership strengthens political coordination and expands cooperation in areas including security, defence, counterterrorism, technology, innovation, shipping, education and connectivity.

Strategic cooperation

In a social media post, the presidential palace described India as one of the world’s largest economies and a strategic partner with an increasingly strong presence internationally.

It said Cyprus is building a relationship with India that creates political, economic and geostrategic prospects for the country.

Trade and connectivity

The presidential palace said Cyprus’ emergence as an important gateway between India and Europe offers Indian businesses access to the European single market of 450 million consumers, while strengthening the strategic relationship between the European Union and India.

It added that Cyprus’ regional role could strengthen prospects for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and upgrade the country’s position in trade and connectivity between India, the Middle East and Europe.

The palace said a historic relationship is gaining strategic depth and translating into tangible results for Cyprus.

Presidential visit

The strengthening of Cyprus-India relations culminated in President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to India in May. During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Christodoulides called for India to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

He said Cyprus supports India’s growing global role, including its place in a reformed Security Council, adding that global governance must reflect current realities.

Modi said relations between India and Cyprus have stood the test of time.