Nicosia, Cyprus – June 17, 2025: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held formal talks today with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. Upon arrival, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by President Christodoulides. As a special gesture, the Cypriot President had personally received Prime Minister Modi at the airport yesterday, underscoring the mutual trust and longstanding friendship between India and Cyprus.
The two leaders reaffirmed the common values that form the foundation of India-Cyprus relations, including a mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Cyprus for strongly condemning the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 and for its solidarity with India in combating terrorism. Both sides emphasized their shared commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for the unity of Cyprus and a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis.
Expanding Strategic and Economic Cooperation
The leaders reviewed the growing bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade and investment, science and technology, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties. They also discussed deepening collaboration in emerging areas including fintech, start-ups, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, mobility, defense industry, and connectivity.
Key decisions from the talks include:
- A five-year roadmap to enhance strategic partnership.
- Launch of cyber and maritime security dialogues.
- Establishment of a real-time information-sharing mechanism on terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
- Appreciation of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed in January 2025, aimed at operationalizing defense collaboration.
- Endorsement of the newly formed India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council to advance trilateral economic cooperation.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance air connectivity to boost trade, tourism, innovation, and academic exchanges. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in fostering peace and prosperity across the region.
Support for Multilateralism and UNSC Reform
Both leaders underlined the importance of reforming global governance institutions and committed to strengthening multilateralism. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Christodoulides for reiterating Cyprus’s strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
The leaders also exchanged perspectives on major international developments, including the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe.
Academic and Cultural Cooperation
During the visit, an MoU was signed to establish an India Studies ICCR Chair at the University of Nicosia, marking a new chapter in educational and cultural collaboration between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to President Christodoulides to visit India, promising continued momentum in strengthening the historic ties between the two democracies.
