Cyprus to Send About 25 Maritime Firms to India for Mumbai Business Forum in November 2026

Busan, South Korea. Cyprus plans to bring about 25 maritime companies to India next month, aiming to convert its expanding links with the Asian shipping sector into contracts, investment and business partnerships. The plan was discussed when Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis met India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

Mumbai forum on the agenda

The meeting took place in Busan as part of a broader series of talks intended to strengthen ties between the maritime industries of the two countries. The discussion focused on the Cyprus–India Maritime Business Forum, scheduled for November 23, 2026 in Mumbai during Hadjimanolis’ visit to India.

Related: Cyprus to send about 25 maritime firms to India as it deepens business ties with Asia

RelatedCyprus to send about 25 maritime firms to India as it deepens business ties with Asia

Sonowal confirmed that India was ready to host the Cypriot delegation and back the forum, and both sides want companies to make full use of the opportunity. Based on information from the Indian government, roughly 25 leading Cypriot firms are expected to attend, seeking partners in shipping, ship management, maritime technology and related services.

Wider areas of cooperation

The two ministers also reviewed prospects in shipbuilding, maritime investment and seafarer welfare. Sonowal stressed that India expects the relationship to yield more than diplomatic goodwill, and said he looked forward to working with Cyprus to “translate our Strategic Partnership into concrete and mutually beneficial maritime outcomes”.

Support for Indian ship-recycling yards

Cyprus also supported India’s efforts to obtain European Union recognition for eligible Indian ship-recycling yards. This could in time offer Cyprus-flagged vessels additional options once they are retired from service.

Under EU rules, large ships flying a member state’s flag may only be dismantled at facilities on the European Commission’s approved list. Such yards must satisfy strict environmental and worker-safety standards, wherever they are based.

The choice of recycling facility can significantly affect costs and the arrangements for disposing of older vessels. If Indian yards meet the requirements and are approved, Cyprus-flagged ships could gain access to another major ship-recycling market.

Organisation of the mission

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) is organising the November business mission together with the Shipping Deputy Ministry. Hadjimanolis will be in India from November 21 to 26, joined by Keve president Stavros Stavrou and representatives of the participating companies.