India, Cyprus elevate ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’

• Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides paid a State Visit to India from May 20 to 23. 

• The visit holds particular significance as it is taking place during the Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Christodoulides.

• Recognising the evolving geopolitical landscape and the deepening of the India-Cyprus partnership, the leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.

• Both sides also agreed to commemorate the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.

Key outcomes of the meeting:

• Conclusion of the roadmap for bilateral defence cooperation between the ministries of defence of the two countries for the period 2026-2031.

• Establishment of cybersecurity dialogue between the two countries.

• Establishment of a consular dialogue between India and Cyprus.

• Cyprus joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

• MoU on establishing a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, which will provide a framework to enhance bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism through information and knowledge sharing and capacity building.

• MoU on Diplomatic Training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and the Diplomatic Academy, MoFA, Cyprus which will strengthen bilateral ties by cooperation in the training of diplomats.

• Signing of the technical arrangement for the establishment of official coordination and cooperation on search and rescue matters.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)