India and the Republic of Cyprus have maintained warm and friendly relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1962. Built on mutual respect and shared interests, the partnership has expanded over the years to encompass trade, investment, technology, defence and security. Both countries also cooperate closely on regional and global issues and work together in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth.[1] India–Cyprus relations are now increasingly being shaped by broader geopolitical and connectivity transformations linking the Indo-Pacific, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.

Although Cyprus is a relatively small state in terms of territory, its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean and its membership in the European Union (EU) enhance its geopolitical relevance for India. Cyprus provides India with an important maritime and economic gateway into Europe, particularly as New Delhi seeks to diversify connectivity routes, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and expand its engagement with the Mediterranean region. Simultaneously, Cyprus views India as a major economic partner, technology market and emerging geopolitical actor capable of contributing to its broader connectivity, innovation and investment ambitions. As of April 2026, around 15,500 Indians are living and working in Cyprus, including professionals employed in the shipping, information technology and fintech sectors, as well as farm workers, domestic workers and students.[2]

Recent Momentum in Bilateral Relations

A major milestone in the bilateral relations came with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2025, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades. During the visit, both sides reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, science, research, culture and people-to-people ties. They identified new areas such as fintech, start-ups, defence industry cooperation, connectivity, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and mobility. The two countries agreed to prepare a five-year roadmap for cooperation in strategic sectors. They welcomed the establishment of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council to deepen economic engagement.[3]

During the June 2025 visit, security and connectivity emerged as central pillars of the partnership. India and Cyprus agreed to establish cyber and maritime security dialogues and mechanisms for real-time information exchange on terrorism, drugs and arms trafficking. The Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme, signed in January 2025, provides a framework for expanding defence ties. Discussions on improving air connectivity and supporting the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) further underscored the growing strategic and economic significance of the relationship.[4]

Building on the momentum in bilateral relations, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides visited India from 20 May to 23 May 2026. As Table 1 specifies, the two sides concluded MoUs on counter-terrorism cooperation, diplomatic training, innovation and technology,........

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