Strong EU ties, UN reforms take center stage in India-Cyprus joint briefing

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and PM Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions, which primarily focused on strengthening bilateral ties, but also saw mention of reforms of the global bodies like the United Nations in times of geopolitical uncertainty, while Cyprus pushed for India place in reformed United Nations Security Council.

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions at the Hyderabad house in New Delhi on Friday, the discussions, which primarily focused on strengthening bilateral ties and the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), also saw mention of reforms of the global bodies like the United Nations in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

Cyprus and India elevated their bilateral relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’, marking a significant upgrade in ties.

Adressing the joint press briefing, PM Modi echoed the call for stronger global cooperation and the need to reform global institutions. While Cypriot President pushed for India in reformed United Nations Security Council.

“Today, we also discussed global issues. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for the early end of the conflict and for peace,” he said. Both leaders agreed that “reform of global institutions is urgent and important for resolving the growing global challenges,” he said.

"I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate that Cyprus also supports India's growing global role, including its rightful place in reformed United Nations Security Council." "Prime Minister Modi and I also discussed broader regional and international developments, reaffirmed our shared commitment to international law, the United Nations Charter, and, of course, effective multilateralism principles that matter today more than ever before, " siad Christodoulides. 

Meanwhile, on the bilateral front, Modi announced several new agreements, ranging from defence to trade, migration, social security, and cyber security, being the highlights. “To strengthen our ties further, we have formed a consensus on a migration and mobility agreement and a social security agreement. We are also making agreements on higher studies and culture,” said PM Modi.

He further noted increased defence collaboration, with plans to expand cooperation in cyber security, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.

“Our defence collaboration with Cyprus has also increased,” Modi said, announcing the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership.

Also Read: 'No war ends with military conflict alone, dialogue is needed': PM Modi on Ukraine, West Asia situation

India-Middle East Economic Corridor and trade

Cypriot President Christodoulides emphasised his country's strategic role as a bridge between India and Europe.

“The European Union-India partnership is an integral part of the vision of the Cyprus presidency for a union that is more open to the world,” he said.

He described Cyprus as “uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted, stable, reliable bridge between India and Europe, between the European Union, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the wider Middle East.”

Christodoulides  also welcomed the deepening EU-India engagement, particularly the progress on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Security and Defence Partnership, and the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda.

“This is a tale of two giants in partnership in a win-win fashion,” he noted, adding that cooperation between the world’s two largest economies and democracies is vital for addressing global challenges.

In the context of regional connectivity, the Cypriot leader highlighted ongoing discussions on initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

He also announced the creation of a joint task force on cooperation in infrastructure, shipping, and economic sectors.

The Cypriot President, who is also leading the EU Council presidency, stressed shared values between the two nations.

“Cyprus-India relations are rooted in shared historical experiences and common values… peace, democracy and respect for international law,” he said, adding that “in these times of growing geopolitical uncertainty, I firmly believe that the partnership between the European Union and India must become even stronger.”

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Economic and investment focus

Economic ties received special attention during both the leaders' meeting, PM Modi highlighted that Cyprus is one of India’s top 10 investors, with investments from Cyprus into India having doubled in the last decade.

“The India-EU FTA has opened up new opportunities. We aim to double this investment in the next 5 years,” he stated.

President Christodoulides expressed a similar stance on the tangible outcomes of the partnership across security, defence, technology, innovation, maritime cooperation, education, and economic connectivity.

The meeting underscored a shared vision of deeper engagement not just bilaterally but also within the broader EU-India framework, positioning Cyprus as a key facilitator in an increasingly complex global landscape. Both leaders projected confidence that the upgraded strategic partnership would yield concrete benefits in trade, security, and regional stability.