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India will strengthen its defence partnership with Cyprus through expanded collaboration between their defence sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday during a state visit to the island nation — the first by an Indian premier in over two decades.
Modi, following talks with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, stated that bilateral cooperation in maritime security and cybersecurity would be intensified, although he did not elaborate on specifics.
The two nations also agreed to establish an information-sharing framework aimed at countering terrorism.
In a joint statement, both leaders pledged to enhance maritime cooperation, including more frequent Indian naval visits to Cypriot ports and the exploration of joint training and search-and-rescue operations.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Cyprus in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Modi said the initiative could foster “peace and prosperity in the Middle East.”
The corridor aims to enhance trade, energy, and digital connectivity, positioning Cyprus as a key hub due to its proximity to India and the Middle East.
Christodoulides described Cyprus as India’s “gateway into Europe,” offering a base for Indian firms looking to expand westward.
He committed to backing key infrastructure initiatives like IMEC and noted that deepening India-EU ties — including progress on a free trade agreement — would be a priority during Cyprus’s EU presidency in the first half of 2026.
Modi hailed the visit as the beginning of a “new era” in India-Cyprus relations, rooted in long-standing ties and mutual values.
Both countries, once British colonies, share a history of cooperation through the Non-Aligned Movement, having remained independent of Cold War allegiances.
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