“The State visit of the President of Cyprus will focus on further boosting the entire spectrum of comprehensive and
strategic relationships, as well as the exchange of views on contemporary and regional issues”
How do you see the future of Cyprus-India relations evolving over the next decades, particularly in strategic and economic domains?
I believe that over the next decades, relations between our two countries are going to be substantially encouraging, especially in strategic and economic areas, given the historical standing of the bilateral ties and the willingness and commitment of the two sides to consistently maintain and further strengthen the relationship.
With Cyprus serving as a gateway for Indian businesses into Europe and offering an attractive tax regime with one of the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU and double tax avoidance agreements with various countries, including India, bilateral cooperation in the sectors of commerce, shipping, technology, tourism, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and digital infrastructure is likely to be expanded further, including in the framework of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which could result in Cyprus becoming an important hub linking India to Europe. The two countries are closely working in this direction.
With the upcoming visit of the President of Cyprus to India in May 2026, what are the key agenda items and expectations from this high-level engagement?
The State Visit of the President of Cyprus is aimed at and will focus on further boosting entire spectrum of comprehensive and strategic relationship and exchange of views on contemporary global and regional issues. A number of Agreements and MoUs in various domains including education & research, culture, defence, innovation & technology, sports, counter terrorism, migration & mobility and diplomatic training are under negotiations and several of them are expected to be signed during the visit. This State Visit, that is happening after a gap of over nine years will certainly take the bilateral relationship to a new level and will guide and stimulate the future course of relationship between the two countries in new and emerging domains.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cyprus in June 2025 was widely regarded as historic – how have bilateral relations progressed since then.
Indeed, the visit to Cyprus of Prime Minister Modi in June 2025, was a historic visit, as it was the first visit to Cyprus by an Indian Prime Minister since 2002. There has been tremendous progress in terms of the deliverables of the Visit, in particular the Action Plan for 2025-2029. Negotiations in several and new areas cooperation have been initiated. Another progress has been an increase in the exchange of high-level visits on both ways since then, further boosting mutual trust and cooperation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to India from 29-31, October 2025, followed by the official visit by the President of House of Representatives (24-28, November 2025), and the visit of the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy for AI Impact Summit from 19-20, February 2026.
As Cyprus prepares for its 2026 EU Council Presidency, how can it play a role in strengthening EU India relations and advancing shared priorities?
Cyprus has always been a friend of India in the EU. In the framework of its ongoing Presidency of the Council of the EU also, Cyprus pledges to continue extending support in advancing the EU-India ties, in every possible way, including the strategic and trade ties. Moreover, Cyprus assures that under this framework, it will do everything possible to complete the procedures within the EU for the ratification and implementation of the EU-India FTA signed earlier this year.
How would you describe the current state of trade and commerce between Cyprus and India, and what steps can be taken to further enhance it?
Trade and commercial relations between Cyprus and India are strengthening steadily over the years. However, the full potentials have not yet been realized. Domestic exports to India during the period January – December 2025 were to the tune of €32.4 million, while total imports from India in the same period were to the tune of €90.4 million, indicating a massive trade deficit for Cyprus. In order to increase its exports, Cyprus is seriously working towards the promotion and export of its prominent products and services to India, in particular, its celebrated food and beverages products such as the Halloumi cheese, olive oil, and wine, with support from the Trade office at our Mission.
Moreover, both sides are taking steps to work together to expanding economic ties through increased trade, investment and collaboration in science, innovation, research. Several bilateral business activities, including visits to/ from Cyprus of business representative/ delegations are taking place to promote trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
In addition, the two sides have agreed to promote collaboration in 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. This will facilitate networking and attracting researchers, start-ups and MNCs to Cyprus, as well as attracting investment within digital growth area.
Energy sector is another area of potential cooperation that can contribute immensely in further development of economic ties. Cyprus wishes to strengthen, to this end, cooperation on issues related to energy efficiency, and promotion of the use of renewable energy, especially solar energy. Cyprus is a member of the International Solar Alliance.
The Invest Cyprus aims to promote Cyprus as a business destination for Indian ICT companies and attract investments for projects of strategic importance in the fields of tourism, renewable energy and education. Invest Cyprus is also interested in establishing cooperation between Nicosia and Indian cities that are very active in technology, as well as between Indian IT and Tech Associations and Cyprus Tech Association. Cyprus could be an ideal location for these companies to establish regional presence in the EU. An MoU between the Invest Cyprus and Invest India on Enhancing Bilateral Investment Relations is in place since its signing on 9 December 2021.
Cyprus is among the top 10 sources of foreign direct investment in India with estimated cumulative investments of USD 14.65 Billion during April 2000 – March 2025, in the sectors including services, computer and software, auto manufacturing, manufacturing industries, real estate, cargo handling, construction, shipping and pharmaceuticals.
What investment opportunities does Cyprus offer to Indian businesses, especially in sectors such as finance, shipping, technology, and tourism?
Cyprus offers strong investment opportunities for Indian businesses due to its strategic location as a gateway to Europe, EU membership, business-friendly environment, and advanced services sector.
In terms of finance and fintech, Cyprus provides opportunities in banking, investment funds, wealth management, and EU-based business operations, supported by favorable tax and Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus offers opportunities in ship management, logistics, maritime technology, green shipping, and port services.
As regards opportunities in technology, Indian businesses can invest in AI, cybersecurity, software services, startups, and digital transformation, benefiting from Cyprus’s growing tech ecosystem.
As one of the attractive tourist destination, Cyprus offers great opportunities in tourism and hospitality sector in term of luxury resorts, destination weddings, wellness tourism, medical tourism, film tourism, and hospitality services.
Cyprus is becoming an attractive destination for international tourists-what are some key attractions and experiences that would appeal to Indian travelers?
Cyprus is becoming an attractive destination for Indian travelers as the island combines European lifestyle, beautiful Mediterranean beaches, rich history, luxury, adventure, and cultural tourism. Largely, Cyprus offers Indian tourists a mix of leisure, culture, luxury and adventure within a safe and easy-to-explore European destination.
Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos offer beaches, resorts, yacht cruises, and water sports, while scenic seaside venues and luxury hotels make Cyprus appealing for Indian weddings and honeymoon travelers. In terms of historical and cultural heritage, ancient ruins, UNESCO sites, monasteries, and Greek mythology attract culture and history enthusiasts.
Moreover, activities such as hiking, diving, boating, and exploring the Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula attract adventure travelers. Cypriot food, café culture, and vibrant nightlife in cities like Limassol and Ayia Napa attract younger tourists and groups, while spa resorts, yoga retreats, and relaxed coastal experiences support wellness tourism.
Could you highlight the presence and contributions of Cypriot companies in India and Indian companies in Cyprus?
Several Indian companies have chosen Cyprus as their base for business and investment with many of them diversifying their business to Europe. Needless to say, their presence in Cyprus contributes significantly to the economy of Cyprus. On the other hand the physical presence of Cypriot companies in India remains limited but shows growing potential. There is now a developing possibility that a Cypriot banking firm may soon open an office in Mumbai.
What initiatives are being undertaken to strengthen people to people ties and cultural exchanges between Cyprus and India?
The people-to-people ties between Cyprus and India are significant and enormous, with over 10,000 Indians living and working in various sectors in Cyprus, contributing to the economy of Cyprus, while the strength of the Cypriot diaspora in India is minimal. These ties are being further consolidated with organization of a range of cultural, educational, tourism, cuisine related events, including film festivals in both countries. In the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, our Mission organized cultural, music and dance events in India, showcasing the Cypriot culture to Indian audience.
Moreover, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and University of Nicosia, one of the prestigious private universities in Cyprus, signed an MoU in 2025 to establish an ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Nicosia. The initiative will bring Indian scholars to Cyprus, promote Indian studies, support academic exchanges, and encourage collaborative research.
In addition, the two countries are working towards negotiating a migration and mobility partnership agreement, a letter of intent for which, has already been signed. It will facilitate migration of professionals for economic reasons as well as mobility of students, academics, researchers on the basis of equal treatment of nationals of respective countries. It will also fight irregular migration and will combat exploitation and trafficking of human beings.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
I sincerely thank the readers of Envoy Excellency for their keen interest in exploring Cyprus, in particular, its relations with India.