Modi Calls Cyprus India’s Investment Gateway to Europe
New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership following talks with President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Modi said the upgraded partnership would bring “new ambition and spirit” to cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. The two sides signed six agreements covering counter-terrorism, diplomatic training, innovation and technology, search and rescue, higher education and cultural cooperation, besides making additional announcements.
The two countries also unveiled a roadmap for defence cooperation for 2026-2031 and agreed to enhance military exchanges, training and maritime collaboration. India reiterated support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Cyprus described itself as a “trusted, stable and reliable partner” of India.
The leaders discussed cooperation in shipping, infrastructure, energy and agriculture, and decided to initiate dialogues on cyber security, consular matters and connectivity. They also reviewed collaboration on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Modi said Cyprus is emerging as an “investment gateway to Europe” for India and noted that it is currently the ninth-largest source of foreign investment into India. He said both sides aim to double bilateral trade within five years, adding that Cypriot investments in India have doubled over the past decade.
He also said Gujarat’s GIFT City would develop as a global financial hub with Cypriot cooperation, while Cyprus has announced plans to open a trade office in Mumbai. The two sides are in the final stages of a Migration and Mobility pact and have agreed to begin talks on a Social Security Agreement.
On terrorism, a joint statement said, "Both Leaders categorically and unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The two Leaders condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025."
On defence ties, it said the two sides “agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including through collaboration between their respective defence industries, with a special focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies”.
Foreign ministry official Sibi George said financial connectivity was also discussed and that India’s UPI system would be operational in Cyprus from next year. He added that a Bollywood film is expected to be shot in Cyprus.
In his remarks, Christodoulides said the partnership now spans sectors including defence, economy, education and connectivity, and called for deeper cooperation between India and the European Union, of which Cyprus currently holds the presidency.
