India, Cyprus upgrade ties, sign pact to counter terror

NEW DELHI: India and Cyprus upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, launched a roadmap for defence cooperation and signed an MoU for establishing a joint working group on counterterrorism as PM Narendra Modi hosted President Nikos Christodoulides for talks. Modi said ties with Cyprus, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, were based on shared values like democracy and the rule of law, while reiterating India's support to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the eastern Mediterranean country that is not recognised by Tukiye.

"We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India is and will remain fully committed to these principles," said Modi, calling Cyprus an important investment gateway between India and the whole of Europe. He said that Cyprus was one of India's top 10 investors and with growing trust, and capitalising on the India-EU FTA, both sides aimed to double this investment in the next five years.

"This strategic partnership between India and Cyprus will unlock capital for commerce by connecting the financial and services hubs of both countries. It will provide new opportunities for Indian companies in Cyprus' infrastructure, energy, and agriculture sectors, and will also bring new investment to India's rapidly growing shipping and maritime sectors," said the PM.

The leaders discussed the IMEC initiative and also defence and security cooperation, with Modi calling it an important pillar of the relationship. "We are very pleased that military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries have increased over the past few years. Today we also decided to further strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism," said the PM. The two sides also established a cybersecurity dialogue.

With many Indian students and professionals living in Cyprus, both sides agreed to soon conclude a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership, as well as a social security agreement.

Prime Minister Modi brought up the Ukraine and West Asia issues in his media statement, saying that both countries will continue to support efforts for peace and an early end to conflict.

The two leaders also agreed that reform of global institutions is urgent and important to address growing global challenges, with the President reiterating Cyprus' support for India's permanent membership bid in a reformed security council.

The leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, rejecting double standards, state sponsored terrorism and any justification for such acts, under any circumstances, while condemning cross border terrorism and the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

"Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism," said the joint statement.

Both leaders recognised the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor's (IMEEC) transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. "They reiterated their shared commitment to promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East and emphasised the importance of fostering deeper engagement and corridors of interconnection from India through the wider Middle East to Europe. They discussed the establishment of a Bilateral Connectivity Dialogue," said the statement.