New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides on Friday reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.
Briefing media in New Delhi this afternoon, Secretary (West) in Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, said counter terrorism was a very important area of discussion during the bilateral meeting held between the leaders in New Delhi and both leaders categorically and unequivocally condemned terrorism. He said Cyprus expressed solidarity and its unwavering support to India in its fight against cross border terrorism.
The two leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year and the terror incident near the Red Fort. They emphasised that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable. Both leaders called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and in accordance with international law.
George said, both leaders held wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi which were focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, defence, maritime security, financial connectivity, technology and innovation, mobility, education, culture, and India-EU engagement. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of concern. He said, the Cyprus President’s visit is an important milestone in India-Cyprus relations as the two leaders have decided to elevate bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership.
Secretary (West) said that following the talks between the two leaders, both sides exchanged various agreements. He highlighted that these include an MoU on establishing a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, and an MoU in the field of diplomatic training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Diplomatic Academy of Cyprus.
Mr George said, some of the important announcements that were made today include establishment of a Cyber Security Dialogue, establishment of a Consular Dialogue, Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for the period 2026 to 2031, and Cyprus joining the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Secretary (West) said, the two countries will mark 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relationship in 2027 which will be commemorated with various activities in both the countries. He elaborated that economic cooperation has been an important element of the relationship, with target set for further enhancing economic cooperation. Cyprus is the ninth largest source of FDI inflows to India and the second largest in EU after the Netherlands, with cumulative FDI inflows of 16 billion dollars since year 2000.
Mr George said defence and maritime has emerged as a very important pillar, which was reiterated in the meeting today. Bilateral Defence cooperation programme 2026 was signed in Nikosia, which provides structured framework for furthering defence partnership.
