India PM Narendra Modi held summit meeting with Cyprus-President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi. (22.05.2026).
New Delhi, May 22, 2026 — India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major step forward in cooperation across trade, security, technology, and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during a joint press statement with Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, in New Delhi on Friday.
Welcoming the Cypriot President and his delegation, Modi described the visit as “another important milestone” in relations between the two nations, underlining their shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The friendship between India and Cyprus is both strong and futuristic,” Modi said, noting that common democratic values continue to anchor bilateral ties.
The announcement comes at a time when India is seeking deeper engagement with Europe. Modi highlighted Cyprus’s current role as President of the Council of the European Union and described the Mediterranean island nation as an “important investment gateway” linking India with the wider European market.
Cyprus is already among India’s top 10 investors, according to the Prime Minister, with Cypriot investments into India nearly doubling over the past decade. Modi said both countries now aim to double investment flows again within the next five years.
The newly announced Strategic Partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation between the financial and services sectors of both countries while creating fresh opportunities in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and maritime industries.
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India PM Narendra Modi with Cyprus-President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi. (22.05.2026).
Modi also said India and Cyprus would work together to advance India’s GIFT City project as a global financial and services hub. The two nations additionally plan to enhance collaboration between their innovation ecosystems and startup sectors.
Defence and security emerged as another central pillar of the discussions. Modi said military exchanges and training cooperation had expanded significantly in recent years, and both sides had agreed to intensify cooperation in cyber security, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
The leaders also discussed broader regional and global connectivity initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), both viewed as strategically significant trade and infrastructure projects.
On people-to-people relations, Modi noted the growing contribution of Indian professionals and students living in Cyprus. To strengthen mobility and workforce cooperation, both countries agreed to pursue a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership as well as a Social Security Agreement.
Several agreements were signed during the visit, including pacts covering culture and higher education, aimed at promoting academic collaboration, research partnerships, and cultural exchange.
The leaders also exchanged views on international conflicts and geopolitical developments. Modi said both sides supported “early peace efforts and the swift end of conflicts” in regions including Ukraine and West Asia.
He further emphasized the need for reforms in global governance institutions, saying such changes were “urgent and essential” in order to respond effectively to mounting international challenges.
Concluding his remarks, Modi said the India–Cyprus Strategic Partnership would help take bilateral relations “to new heights with renewed energy, ambition, and momentum.”
“Let us work together to transform our relationship from cooperation to co-creation, and from partnership to shared prosperity,” he said.
