India – Cyprus Bilateral Ties

Practice Question: The recent visit of PM of India , Narendra Modi, to Cyprus is conspicuous in its historic momentousness. Explain from the perspective of India .

Practice Answer : Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus on June 15 – 16 , 2025 ( a visit by a Prime Minister of India in about twenty three years). This is indeed a historically prominent visit , especially when viewed from the vantage point of the rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic environment in Mediterranean and region and its effects on India’s stance at global level .

The joint declaration on the implementation of the comprehensive partnership between the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of India enlists and encompasses the wide , ranging issues that both countries agreed upon.

1) Let’s begin with cooperation and understanding “based on shared values of peace, democracy ,the rule of law effective multilateralism ,and sustainable development” (mea.gov.in), and global commitments to institutions, groups and agreements such as Nuclear Suppliers Group ,United Nations ,the Commonwealth, United Nations Security Council and UNCLOS.

One of the shared values happened to be in the field of navigation and sovereign maritime rights, thereby emphasizing on the United Nations charter and international law. Placing particular significance and acceptation on United Nations convention on the law of sea from the perspective of India. Being part of a large extremely vital corridor of global trade and over 90% of india’street by volume and 77% by value. Being carried out by sea maritime security is important. Additionally, China’s growing presence in Indo -pacific region(specifically Indian Ocean region),piracy near Horn of Africa which has had a debilitating effect on Indian shipping routes, along with vulnerabilities in form of terrorism being carried out by sea route has made UNCLOS vital for India. A natural corollary of protection of maritime trade would be maintaining energy security in form of sea lines of communication as India’s 80% of crude oil import is through maritime routes.

This brings us tothe next agreement/declaration of importance – implementation of 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration between the two countries. Again, given that both countries have coastlines ( and being part of coastal Commonwealth nations), with deep interest in maritime security and sovereignty, this declaration provides for the maritime zone to remain fixed even in the event of rise of sea level and consequent, receding of coastlines. For example, this will aid India in maintaining exclusive economic zones ( EEZs) , upholding the fishing/ resource rights of India in Indian Ocean. Regardless of coastal changes, as the declaration mentioned, “the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting” held in Cyprus in April 2024 led to the “establishment of the Blue Charter Center of Excellence to advance sustainable ocean governance and strengthen capacity across Commonwealth member states”.(mea.gov.in). For example the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration gets added boost from India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Blue Economy 2.0 policies.

Another shared value is that of making international institutions more diverse in terms of representation, which is why Cyprus’ reiteration of its support for India’s seat at permanent members table of UNSC and subsequent expansion of United Nations Security Council is of great importance.

2) India and Cyprus shared a strategic vision of connectivity and regional cooperation. In this regard, “both leaders underscored the significance of India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a transformative multinodal initiative that fosters peace , economic integration and sustainable development.”(mea.gov.in)

Here,significance of IMEC needs to be highlighted. As a promising pathway, IMEC would cover approximately for 4800 kilometers, spanning from Asia to Persian Gulf ,and Europe, thereby promoting connectivity ,reducing the transportation costs )by bypassing Suez Canal and consequently, accelerating the rate and pace of trade, IMEC would place India in a stronger position in West Asia and Mediterranean, thereby counter balancing China’s belt and road initiative. Now cypress, being the gateway to the Mediterranean (being the EU member strategically placed in East Mediterranean) within the larger context it would act as a logistics hub and trans-shipment hub point that converges various facilities in form of ports, warehouses and ICT infrastructure. This would open doors for supply of Indian pharmaceuticals, electronics ,textiles etc to enter European market, along with benefiting the IT and renewable energy sectors of India through development of technology and infrastructure in the form of laying down of digital cables, clean energy networks. It will certainly help India to gain access to energy supplied by Middle Eastern countries via pipelines and green energy grid. With India being a powerhouse in field of information technology, emerging fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, it can certainly take advantage of favourable regulatory and tax environment and Cyprus now being an emerging tech hub itself certainly adds strength to such cooperation.

3) PM Modi’s visit was multi-pronged in its approach in the sense that not only did it lend support to the ” resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.” (mea.gov.in) but also highlighted the territorial aggression displayed by Turkey on its Mediterranean neighbours such as Cyprus . This is extremely important especially in context of Operation Sindoor wherein it was discovered that the drones were Turkish made, used by Pakistan against India and repeated support of Pakistan with respect to Kashmir. This could very well be seen as a measure of counterbalance with regards to ever deepening ties between Turkey and Pakistan.

4) With regards to fields of security, defence, and crisis management, specifically in the area of security, “Cyprus and India unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability.” This is of great importance especially in the backdrop of Pahalgam massacre and consequent Operation Sindoor. Such condemnation indeed bolsters India’s stance of zero tolerance against terrorism at the global level. Cyprus’ support through various internal, multilateral institutions gives a leverage to India’ positions. For example, “both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral efforts to combat terrorism and called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework” Similarly, both emphasized and backed the need for UN and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) un disruption of terror financing channels. It is to be noted that Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is a proposed treaty at the United Nations, originally drafted by India in 1996. Thus, support a Cyprus, European Union member lends momentum to India’s proactive approach towards combating terrorism which includes border security and intelligence sharing, efforts to make legal cooperation mandatory , and counter the process of radicalization through programmes.

In the field of defence, collaboration between their respective defence industries – this could certainly include joint efforts in form of co-development or co-production , or both, of military equipment. It needs to be added the in present day and age fields of cyber security, drones and robotics (it is to be noted that Turkey made drones were used by Pakistan by Pakistan when India launched Operation Sindoor), artificial intelligence, and space and satellite technology.

In the field of crisis management, an exploration in field of cooperation in terms of encouragement of port calls by Indian naval vessels and possible “joint maritime training and exercises to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional security.”(mea.gov.in) , along with institutionalized coordinated efforts in field of Search and Rescue operations (SAR) be discussed.

5) In the field of connectivity and regional cooperation, the joint declaration (mea.gov.in) highlighted India and Cyprus share a strategic vision of acting as bridges between regions, highlighting the IMEC as a key initiative for promoting peace, economic integration, and regional cooperation. They emphasized Cyprus’s role as a gateway to Europe and supported deeper maritime collaboration, including Indian shipping companies establishing a presence in Cyprus to boost logistics and economic ties.

6) It is to be noted that Cyprus strategically placed in Eastern Mediterranean sea, is also a member of European Union and will be assuming the seat of Presidency the Council of the European Union in 2026. This is extremely significant as Cyprus pledged to support and advance the EU-India strategic partnership during its Presidency. Further, there would be a continuance in efforts to conclude the India – EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year along with continuing effort to lend support to” work through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council. ” (mea.gov.in)

7) Significant progress has been made in field of trade, innovation, technology and economic development. Efforts in form of welcoming the Cypriot high-level delegation that’ll be visiting India that includes business representatives, along with the organization of Cyprus – India Forum , are notable. Also, cooperation in various fields such as “research, innovation, and technology, fostering stronger ties between startups, academic institutions, and industry, and supporting innovation exchanges in key sectors like artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and research, with a view of concluding a related MoU.”(mea.gov.in) need to highlighted.

8) People to people connectivity and cultural exchanges are a bedrock of a long term and long standing relationship between the two countries. Enhancement of such measures by India and Cyprus through finalization of Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025 is an important initiative. Similarly, efforts to initiate direct connectivity and enhanced air routes via partners contribute to people to people cooperation and connectivity.

9) The declaration points to efforts made by both countries to hold regular political dialogue. This would certainly strengthen trust between India and Cyprus, thereby promoting a need to harness efforts to achieve shared goals. This is extremely necessary if India were to achieve aforementioned goals vis a vis Cyprus, and additionally Europe.

10 )”The leaders agreed that an Action Plan is to be prepared in order to guide bilateral relations between Cyprus and India for the next five years, under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India”.( mea.gov.in).The 2025-2029 Action Plan would work for strengthening and betterment of bilateral relations between India and Cyprus.

Analysis

Indeed , the recent visit of PM of India , Narendra Modi, to Cyprus is conspicuous in its historic momentousness. While the bilateral relationship is mutually beneficial, it holds great importance for the fastest growing economy, that is India with respect to the changing geopolitical and geo-economic environmental conditions. On his visit to Cyprus, PM Modi on June 16, 2025, was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, which is Cyprus’ highest civilian honour. As PM Modi succinctly put it, the award recognizes the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) philosophy of India. It is this philosophy which is the bulwark of India’s efforts at global level as regards geo-economic, geo-political ,strategic-diplomatic, political ties. Such honour indeed works towards “renewed commitment to strengthening and diversifying the partnership between India and Cyprus ” (pib.gov.in). From the perspective of India, harnessing the strategic vision and cooperation of partners such as Cyprus at multilateralism with respect to institutions such as NSG, IAEA, declarations such UNCLOS, 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, strengthens India’s efforts to assume its rightful place at various global multilateral forums, build on existing efforts to achieve aims such as maritime security, disrupt channels funding terrorism, through cooperation with other countries to present its case at inter-governmental institutions such FATF. Additionally, achieving geo-economic prominence through promising solutions such as IMEC would open the door for India to reach European markets which in terms of freight logistics would be beneficial. From India – EU Free Trade Partnership to cooperation in field of tourism, defence and people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges, such strategic partnership between India and Cyprus is of great value.

Sources

mea.gov.in

pib.gov.in

newsonair.gov.in