India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the decision would bring “new ambition and new momentum” to ties between the two countries. The announcement was made after delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, signalling a major expansion in cooperation across trade, defence, technology, education and security.

In a joint press statement, PM Modi highlighted the strong and long-standing bond between India and Cyprus. He noted that economic ties between the two countries have grown steadily over the years, especially in investment. “The bond between India and Cyprus has repeatedly stood the test of time. Today, with the formation of the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership, we are set to infuse our relations with new ambition and new momentum,” PM Modi said.

Economic cooperation emerged as one of the key highlights of the discussions. PM Modi pointed out that investment from Cyprus into India has almost doubled in the last decade, reflecting growing trust and confidence between businesses and institutions in both nations. He also linked future economic opportunities to the ongoing India-European Union Free Trade Agreement discussions. “Investment from Cyprus to India has nearly doubled over the past decade, reflecting the growing trust between our two countries,” he added.

Speaking about future investment goals, PM Modi said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would create fresh opportunities for businesses from both sides. He underlined that both countries now aim to double the investment flow once again over the next five years. “The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement has further opened up a wealth of new opportunities. Building on these developments, we aim to double this investment again within the next five years,” he said.

To support these ambitious goals, India and Cyprus signed several Memorandums of Understanding across different sectors. The agreements focused on strengthening cooperation in digital infrastructure, fintech and research partnerships. Both countries also agreed to boost institutional collaborations, student exchange programmes and joint scientific research initiatives.

Migration and professional mobility also formed an important part of the discussions. India and Cyprus agreed to work towards finalising a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement. They also discussed a Social Security Agreement aimed at protecting the rights and interests of professionals working in each other’s countries. These steps are expected to make movement for skilled workers easier and more secure.

Security and defence cooperation received a major push during the visit. Recognising Cyprus’s strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean and its current Presidency of the Council of the European Union, both countries agreed to deepen coordination in defence-related areas. An MoU to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was exchanged during the talks.

PM Modi announced that India and Cyprus would further expand cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism operations. “Our defence collaboration with Cyprus has also increased. We have also decided to expand cooperation in areas of cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism,” PM Modi said.

The discussions also carried a broader geopolitical message centred on democratic values and respect for sovereignty. PM Modi stressed that both nations share common principles such as democracy, rule of law and respect for territorial integrity. “The friendship between India and Cyprus is both strong and forward-looking. Our partnership is founded on a shared commitment to values such as democracy and the rule of law. We deeply respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India is, and will continue to be, fully dedicated to upholding these principles,” he said.

President Christodoulides’s visit to India began with engagements in Maharashtra before arriving in New Delhi for official talks. During the Mumbai leg of his visit, he was welcomed by Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Cyprus President also led a high-level business delegation to explore investment opportunities with Indian industry leaders.

The delegation included Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, along with senior officials and business representatives. The discussions in Mumbai focused heavily on shipping, logistics and financial services, sectors where both countries see strong potential for future cooperation.

Following the talks with PM Modi and a diplomatic luncheon hosted at Hyderabad House, President Christodoulides is scheduled to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will formally receive him and host an official state banquet in his honour.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects the growing momentum in India-Cyprus relations after PM Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus in June 2025. That visit was particularly significant as it marked the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean country in more than two decades. The current visit by President Christodoulides is being seen as a continuation of efforts by both governments to deepen strategic cooperation and expand engagement across key sectors.