NEW DELHI, May 22: India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and agreed to set up a joint task force to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure and shipping, after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
The leaders discussed global flashpoints, including the West Asia crisis and the war in Ukraine. Modi said India supports all efforts to end the hostilities swiftly and stressed the need for urgent reform of global institutions to tackle mounting international challenges.
Modi highlighted growing economic ties, noting that Cypriot investment in India has nearly doubled over the past decade. “With the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, numerous new possibilities have emerged,” he said, adding that the two countries aim to double Cypriot investment in India again within five years.
Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation on maritime security and counter‑terrorism. Christodoulides said the joint task force will facilitate enhanced collaboration in strategic sectors such as infrastructure and shipping.
Christodoulides began his three‑day visit to India on Wednesday.
