Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic official visit to Cyprus has concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration that sets forth a comprehensive roadmap to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades, which the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) described as a “historic milestone” reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship and mutual trust between the nations.
In a coordinated announcement, both the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Government of Cyprus emphasized the broad scope of the renewed partnership, underscoring their shared democratic values, commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law, and sustainable development.
A significant highlight of the joint declaration was Cyprus’s strong condemnation of terrorism and its unequivocal support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. Both sides “strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,” reiterating their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in all its forms.
The leaders also discussed EU-India relations in depth. With Cyprus set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, both countries pledged to work towards the timely conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025—a move hailed as holding “significant economic and strategic potential.”
On global governance, Cyprus reiterated its backing for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council, reflecting the two nations’ shared commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in the UN Charter and international law.
In the defence and security domain, both sides emphasized dismantling terrorist infrastructure, blocking terror financing, and holding perpetrators accountable. Recognizing the evolving global security environment, they committed to enhanced cooperation in cyber defence, strategic autonomy, and maritime security—including exploring naval collaboration, port visits, and joint maritime exercises.
The declaration stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in emergency preparedness and crisis response, including joint efforts in evacuation operations and Search and Rescue (SAR) activities.
Connectivity and economic integration formed another critical pillar of discussions. Both leaders reaffirmed the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to promote regional stability and economic growth. Cyprus welcomed its role as a strategic gateway to Europe and a potential hub for Indian maritime and logistics enterprises.
Trade, technology, and innovation also featured prominently. The leaders called for establishing a Cyprus-India Business Forum and agreed to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and technology partnerships, with plans to finalize a related Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Recognizing people-to-people ties as a strategic element of bilateral relations, the two nations agreed to expedite the finalization of a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025. Plans to improve tourism and explore direct air connectivity were also announced.
To guide their growing partnership, India and Cyprus agreed to prepare a comprehensive 2025-2029 Action Plan under the supervision of their respective foreign ministries. Regular high-level political dialogues will also be institutionalized to monitor progress across all agreed sectors.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus—timed just ahead of the G7 Summit in Canada—marks a decisive moment in the evolution of India-Cyprus relations, setting a forward-looking vision rooted in strategic cooperation and shared global responsibilities.