JOINT DECLARATION ON INDIA CYPRUS COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP
Why in News?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus from June 15 to 16, 2025.
- First visit by an Indian PM to Cyprus in over 20 years.
- A Joint Declaration was signed with President Nikos Christodoulides to build a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
OVERVIEW OF THE PARTNERSHIP
- Reaffirmation of bilateral relations based on mutual trust, respect, and a shared strategic vision.
- Discussions covered bilateral, regional, and global cooperation.
- Agreement to strengthen cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity.
Shared Values and Global Commitments
- Shared values include democracy, rule of law, peace, multilateralism, and sustainable development
- Support for a rules-based international order anchored in the UN Charter and international law.
- Emphasis on UNCLOS for maritime rights and freedom of navigation.
- Reaffirmed support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
- Discussed global issues including the Ukraine conflict and the Middle East.
- Cyprus supported India’s bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
- Agreed to increase coordination at the UN and Commonwealth.
- Supported implementation of the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and the Blue Charter Centre of Excellence in Cyprus.
- Called for UN Security Council (UNSC) reform, supported progress in Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN).
- Cyprus reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded UNSC.
- Agreed on mutual support for candidacies in multilateral organizations.
Political Dialogue
- Commitment to hold regular political consultations.
- Use of existing bilateral mechanisms for follow-up.
- Ministries of Foreign Affairs (Cyprus) and External Affairs (India) to oversee the 2025–2029 Action Plan.
Support for Sovereignty and the Cyprus Issue
- Reaffirmed commitment to resolve the Cyprus Question under the UN framework.
- Supported a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as per UNSC resolutions.
- India reaffirmed support for Cyprus’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
- Both sides stressed avoiding unilateral actions to enable negotiations.
Security, Defence, and Crisis Cooperation
- Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
- Cyprus expressed solidarity with India, including on Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) terrorist attack.
- Agreed on:
- Zero tolerance approach to terrorism
- Respect for state sovereignty
- Action against terror financing, safe havens, and infrastructure
- Accountability for perpetrators
- Called for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.
- Emphasis on implementation of UNSC 1267 Sanctions and EU-designated lists.
- Commitment to enhance defence cooperation, including:
- Strategic autonomy
- Defence industry collaboration
- Focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies
- Discussed strengthening maritime security:
- Port calls by Indian naval vessels
- Joint maritime training and domain awareness
- Agreement to cooperate in crisis response, evacuation, and Search and Rescue (SAR)
Connectivity and Regional Cooperation
- Aim to act as regional connectors.
- Highlighted importance of India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- IMEC seen as a multi-modal project for economic integration and sustainable development.
- Recognized Cyprus as a gateway to Europe.
- Encouraged:
- Indian shipping companies to establish presence in Cyprus
- Joint maritime ventures between Indian and Cyprus-based companies
EU INDIA STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT
- Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
- Commitment to support EU–India Strategic Partnership.
- Welcomed progress in:
- Strategic Dialogue
- Defence and maritime security
- Clean energy, digital infrastructure, and space cooperation
- Cyprus pledged support for finalizing the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by end of 2025.
- Support for the India–EU Trade and Technology Council.
- Agreement to pursue a forward-looking agenda beyond the 2025 Strategic Roadmap.
TRADE, INNOVATION & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
- Agreed to expand:
- Trade and investment
- Scientific research
- Technological innovation
- Cyprus to send a high-level business delegation to India.
- Plan to organize a Cyprus–India Business Forum and a Business Round Table.
- Agreed to strengthen cooperation among:
- Startups
- Academic institutions
- Industries
- Intend to sign an MoU on cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and research.
MOBILITY, TOURISM & PEOPLE TO PEOPLE TIES
- Acknowledged people-to-people ties as a strategic asset.
- Agreed to finalize a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by end of 2025.
- Emphasis on increasing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
- Discussed enhancing tourism and establishing direct air connectivity.
- Supported more accessible travel through shared air partners.FUTURE ACTION PLAN
- Agreement to draft and implement a five-year bilateral Action Plan (2025–2029).
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cyprus) and Ministry of External Affairs (India) to supervise and monitor implementation.
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