India, Cyprus elevate ties to Strategic Partnership, unveil defence cooperation roadmap for 2026-31
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi, May 22. India and Cyprus on May 22 elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership and unveiled an ambitious roadmap for defence cooperation from 2026 to 2031, signalling a major expansion of ties in security, maritime affairs, technology, trade and connectivity.
The announcement came following summit talks in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who is on a state visit to India from May 20 to 23.
The two leaders described the visit as a decisive step in transforming India-Cyprus relations into a “more ambitious, modern, strategic and future-oriented framework of cooperation”. The visit assumes additional significance as Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Defence cooperation takes centre stage
A major outcome of the summit was the conclusion of the India-Cyprus Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for 2026-2031, aimed at institutionalising long-term defence and security engagement between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in defence and security through defence industry collaboration, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, training, capacity building and maritime cooperation. The leaders also welcomed the India-Cyprus Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed earlier in February 2026 and a Technical Arrangement on Search and Rescue (SAR) cooperation.
The summit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Cyprus Defence & Space Industries Cluster and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), aimed at promoting defence industrial partnerships and technology cooperation.
India and Cyprus, both maritime nations with longstanding naval traditions, agreed to expand maritime collaboration through regular port calls by Indian naval vessels, maritime training and possible joint exercises to strengthen maritime domain awareness and regional security.
The defence roadmap comes at a time of growing geopolitical significance for the Eastern Mediterranean and reflects India’s expanding strategic outreach towards Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Strong condemnation of terrorism
The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, and reiterated their “zero tolerance” approach towards terror.
Cyprus expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism and condemned the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the November 10, 2025, terror incident near Red Fort in New Delhi.
Both sides called for concerted international action against terrorism and urged early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework. They also welcomed the signing of an MoU establishing a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism to facilitate information sharing, capacity building and operational cooperation.
Strategic partnership and global coordination
India and Cyprus agreed to elevate their Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership, citing evolving geopolitical realities and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The leaders reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order based on the UN Charter and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also stressed the importance of reforming the UN Security Council and reiterated Cyprus’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
India reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus, while both countries backed efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in line with UN resolutions.
Maritime connectivity and economic cooperation
The two sides highlighted the strategic importance of maritime cooperation and connectivity between India, the Middle East and Europe.
Both leaders underlined the transformational potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and discussed strengthening interconnection corridors linking India with Europe through the Mediterranean.
Cyprus was recognised as a potential gateway to Europe for Indian maritime and shipping interests. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime services, logistics, port connectivity, green shipping and maritime skills development.
The leaders also welcomed the establishment of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council to promote trilateral economic cooperation.
Expanding technology and innovation ties
India and Cyprus signed several agreements covering innovation, higher education, diplomatic training, cultural cooperation and professional exchanges.
The two leaders welcomed an MoU on Innovation and Technology designed to support collaboration between startups, incubators, research institutions and innovation ecosystems in areas including artificial intelligence and sustainable technologies.
Both countries also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the space sector, with discussions involving collaboration between the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence and India’s Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
India-EU cooperation
The summit also highlighted the growing convergence between India and the European Union.
The leaders welcomed the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement earlier this year and endorsed the India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030. They also emphasised the importance of the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership in areas such as maritime security, cyber threats, defence technology and counter-terrorism.
Cyprus additionally backed India’s Indo-Pacific vision and welcomed deeper maritime cooperation after joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Prime Minister Modi and President Christodoulides agreed to maintain regular high-level engagement and ensure timely implementation of the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025-2029 as part of the newly elevated Strategic Partnership.
