India and Cyprus have upgraded bilateral ties into a strategic partnership focused on defence cooperation, cyber security, connectivity initiatives, and stronger economic integration with Europe.

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• India and Cyprus officially elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ high-level state visit to New Delhi on May 22.
• Both countries announced a defence cooperation roadmap for 2026-2031 focusing on military partnerships, capacity building, technical collaboration, and joint defence industry opportunities.
• India and Cyprus agreed to establish dedicated cyber security, counter-terrorism, diplomatic training, consular, and connectivity dialogues to strengthen long-term strategic coordination between both nations.
• Cyprus highlighted its ambition to become a major connectivity partner for India under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and wider European trade expansion plans.
• Indian defence companies may gain greater access to European defence manufacturing opportunities through Cyprus under the European Union’s $150 billion SAFE programme framework.
• The two countries signed multiple agreements covering higher education cooperation, cultural collaboration, innovation partnerships, search and rescue coordination, and technology sector engagement.
• Cyprus reaffirmed support for stronger India-European Union economic ties as both sides continue negotiations aimed at operationalising the proposed India-EU free trade agreement soon.
• India reiterated support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity while both countries emphasized deeper geopolitical cooperation across the Mediterranean and Indo-European strategic corridors.