India to Strengthen Defense Ties with Cyprus
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that India will enhance its defense collaboration with Cyprus. This cooperation will involve the defense industries of both nations.
While specific details were not provided, Modi mentioned that discussions will focus on improving maritime and cybersecurity cooperation. Following a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, he also indicated plans to set up a system for sharing information to tackle terrorism more effectively.
This marks Modi’s first visit to Cyprus as the prime minister in over 20 years, happening just before his trip to Canada for the G7 summit.
In a joint statement, both countries expressed their commitment to increasing maritime cooperation, including more visits from the Indian navy to Cypriot ports and enhancing joint training and search-and-rescue operations.
Modi highlighted the significance of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in promoting peace and prosperity in the Middle East. Cyprus is seen as a crucial link for India, connecting the region with Europe due to its strategic location.
President Christodoulides referred to Cyprus as India’s "gateway into Europe," aiming to support Indian businesses and facilitating initiatives like IMEC, which seeks to improve infrastructure connections between India, the Gulf, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
As Cyprus is set to lead the European Union in the first half of 2026, Christodoulides emphasized that enhancing India-EU relations and working on a revised free trade agreement will be priorities for the presidency.
During the visit, Modi celebrated the growing relationship between India and Cyprus, rooted in shared values and a strong historical bond that has withstood the test of time. Both nations, former British colonies, are part of the Non-Aligned Movement, which allowed them to remain independent during the Cold War.
