“Cyprus–India relations are stronger than ever, built on decades of friendship, mutual respect, and growing strategic alignment”
In the context of the evolving global geopolitical landscape, how is Cyprus shaping its foreign policy to balance regional stability, EU priorities, and global partnerships such as India?
Cyprus pursues a principled and proactive foreign policy grounded in international law, multilateralism, and regional cooperation. Given our strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we actively promote stability and dialogue in a region facing complex challenges. As a Member State of the European Union, we align closely with EU priorities while also strengthening our global partnerships, including with India.
We are particularly engaged in initiatives that enhance peace, security, and humanitarian support, such as our role in facilitating aid corridors to the region. At the same time, we are deepening strategic ties with trusted partners like India, recognizing its growing global role and shared commitment to stability, connectivity, and sustainable development.
Your visit to India in October 2025 was seen as a significant step in bilateral engagement — what were the key outcomes and long-term takeaways from that visit?
My official visit to India in October 2025 marked an important milestone, as it was the first such visit at this level in over a decade. At its core were substantive and forward-looking discussions with my counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, which confirmed the clear political will on both sides to keep elevating our relations.
A key outcome was the acceleration of the implementation of our Joint Action Plan, with tangible progress already evident within months, alongside a mutual commitment to increase high-level exchanges across political, technical, and economic domains.
We also placed strong emphasis on economic cooperation while in parallel, we identified practical areas requiring further work, such as direct air connectivity and mobility arrangements, which are essential to unlocking the full potential of our partnership.
Strategically, we aligned on the importance of connectivity initiatives such as IMEC and reaffirmed our shared commitment to stability, international law, and regional cooperation. The long-term takeaway is clear: Cyprus–India relations are entering a new, more structured and ambitious phase, underpinned by strong political trust and concrete deliverables.
Cyprus 2026 EU Council Presidency has the vision of “An Autonomous Union, Open to the World”. How do you plan to advance EU–India relations during the rest of your tenure?
Our Presidency prioritizes strengthening the European Union’s global partnerships, with India being a key strategic partner. Under the vision of “An Autonomous Union, Open to the World,” we aim to actively promote deeper EU–India engagement in areas such as trade, digital innovation, green transition, and connectivity.
We see Cyprus playing a constructive bridging role, facilitating dialogue and advancing concrete cooperation initiatives. Projects such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) exemplify the kind of forward-looking collaboration we seek to support. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to bringing the EU and India closer together in a rapidly evolving global environment.
You recently met with India’s External Affairs Minister in Brussels in March 2026 — what were the main agenda points of this meeting, and what positive developments emerged from your discussions?
My recent meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar in Brussels built directly on the momentum generated during my visit to New Delhi and reaffirmed the strategic depth of our partnership.
At the heart of our agenda was the practical implementation of the Joint Action Plan, with a particular emphasis on strengthening our defense cooperation in cutting-edge sectors.
Simultaneously, we discussed the promotion of shipping and trade, with Cyprus undertaking the organization of a business forum to facilitate the access of Indian companies to the European market. At the same time, we are intensively preparing for the State Visit of the President of the Republic to India at the end of this month.
Regarding EU-India relations, Cyprus committed to ensuring the swift finalization of procedures towards the signing and implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which we consider to be of maximum importance for both sides. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the Joint Strategic Agenda 2030, pointing out that the two economies must systematize their dialogue to cope with global geopolitical uncertainties. In this context, I had the opportunity to formally invite him to participate in the Gymnich informal gathering of EU Foreign Ministers which will be held in Cyprus at the end of May, offering an ideal framework for the continuation of this vital dialogue.
Finally, an honest and in-depth exchange of views was held regarding the worrying developments in the Middle East and the Gulf. My Indian counterpart conveyed the assessment that the crisis in the Straits of Hormuz appears to consolidate as a new reality, directly affecting energy security and oil costs. For my part, I emphasized Cyprus’ concerns regarding the freedom of navigation and the situation in the Middle East, reiterating our position for respect of international humanitarian law.
Despite the gravity of these regional challenges and the sobering nature of our assessments, it is precisely for these reasons that the continuation and reinforcement of the EU-India dialogue is more necessary than ever. Strengthening this strategic partnership is essential for both sides to effectively address emerging global threats and to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape that lies ahead.
How do you assess the current trajectory of Cyprus–India relations, and which sectors hold the greatest potential for further strengthening bilateral cooperation?
Cyprus–India relations are stronger than ever, built on decades of friendship, mutual respect, and growing strategic alignment. The trajectory is clearly positive, with increasing engagement across multiple sectors.
There is significant potential in areas such as shipping and maritime cooperation, where Cyprus is a global leader, as well as in investment, technology, and innovation. The digital economy, artificial intelligence, and research collaboration are particularly promising fields. Energy, especially renewable energy and solar cooperation, also offers important opportunities.
Furthermore, connectivity initiatives and increasing tourism flows, supported by potential direct air links, will further enhance people-to-people ties and economic interaction. Overall, the relationship is evolving into a forward-looking partnership. This partnership is further solidified by the fact that Cyprus remains one of the top ten investors in the Indian economy, with cumulative investments exceeding USD 14 billion.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
Cyprus deeply values its longstanding friendship with India and its people. As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, partnerships based on trust, shared values, and mutual respect are more important than ever.
We remain committed to strengthening our cooperation with India across all levels, political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people. I am confident that the future of Cyprus–India relations hold great promise, contributing not only to our mutual prosperity but also to regional and global stability.