SYLLABUS

GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, paid a State Visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).

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• The visit marked a major milestone in India–Cyprus ties as both countries elevated their bilateral relationship from a “Comprehensive Partnership” to a “Strategic Partnership.” 

• The leaders adopted a forward-looking agenda focused on defence, cybersecurity, maritime cooperation, trade, connectivity, innovation, AI, education and people-to-people ties. 

• The visit built upon the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus in June 2025 — the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. 

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Strategic Partnership: India and Cyprus elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting deeper cooperation in defence, connectivity, trade, technology, security and regional affairs. 

• Defence Cooperation: Adopted a Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation (2026–2031). 

• Welcomed the India–Cyprus Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed in February 2026. 
• Agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security, defence industries, joint training, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. 

• Counter-Terrorism: Signed an MoU on establishing a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism. 

• Condemned the Pahalgam and Red Fort terror attacks. 
• Reaffirmed zero tolerance towards terrorism and called for action against UN-designated terrorists, terror financing, terror safe havens and cross-border terrorism. 

• Cyber Security: Announced the establishment of a Cyber Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation against cyber threats and cybercrime. 

• Search and Rescue (SAR): Signed a Technical Arrangement on Search and Rescue (SAR) cooperation to strengthen maritime coordination and operational cooperation. 

• Trade and Investment: Emphasized expanding bilateral trade and investment in shipping, logistics, financial services, clean energy, AI, innovation, infrastructure and digital economy. 

• Cyprus reaffirmed its role as an investment gateway between India and Europe. 

• FinTech and UPI Connectivity: Welcomed growing financial connectivity between India and Cyprus. 

• Encouraged cooperation between India’s UPI and European payment systems through the MoU between NIPL and Eurobank Cyprus. 

• Innovation and Technology: Signed an MoU on Innovation and Technology. 

• Promoted cooperation among startups, incubators, accelerators, research centres and innovation ecosystems in AI, digital transformation and emerging technologies. 

• India–EU Cooperation: Welcomed the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

• Supported strengthening the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and India–EU Security and Defence Partnership. 

• Connectivity and IMEEC: Reiterated support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). 

• Agreed to establish a Bilateral Connectivity Dialogue. 
• Recognized Cyprus as a gateway connecting Europe, the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific. 

• Maritime Cooperation: Agreed to strengthen cooperation in shipping, logistics, port connectivity, maritime training, green shipping and maritime domain awareness. 

• Recognized Cyprus as an important European maritime hub. 

• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Cyprus joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) under the pillar “Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport.” 

• Both countries reiterated support for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. 

• Education and Mobility: Signed an MoU on Higher Education and Research. 

• Agreed to continue negotiations on a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and a Social Security Agreement. 

• Diplomatic Training: Signed an MoU on Diplomatic Training between SSIFS and the Diplomatic Academy of Cyprus. 

• Cultural Cooperation: Signed an MoU on Cultural Cooperation (2026–2030). 

• Promoted exchanges in arts, heritage conservation, tourism, museums, Yoga, Ayurveda and people-to-people ties. 

• Space Cooperation: Agreed to expand cooperation between IN-SPACe and the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence. 

• Announced the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day on 18 May 2026. 

• Multilateral Cooperation: Cyprus reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. 

• Both countries agreed to strengthen coordination in the UN, Commonwealth and other multilateral forums. 

• Consular Cooperation: Announced the establishment of a Consular Dialogue to strengthen coordination on consular matters and people-to-people movement. 

• Disaster Resilience: Cyprus expressed interest in joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). 

• Both sides emphasized cooperation on climate-resilient infrastructure. 

• Health Diplomacy: India announced the gift of a BHISM Cube to Cyprus as part of bilateral health cooperation.