President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, arrived in India on 20 May 2026 for a four-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making this his first official visit to the country in his current capacity. The visit assumes added significance in view of Cyprus’ ongoing presidency of the Council of the European Union, situating bilateral ties firmly within the broader India–EU framework.
President Christodoulides was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr Alexis Vafeades, senior officials, and a business delegation representing over 45 Cypriot companies.
The state visit commenced in Maharashtra, where President Christodoulides was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.
In Mumbai, the President participated in the Cyprus–India Business Forum, where the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and technology collaboration. In a parallel development, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) signed an MoU with the Cyprus Defence & Space Industry Cluster (CyDSIC), deepening cooperation in defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation. President Christodoulides also rang the bell at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai.
Arriving in New Delhi on 21 May, President Christodoulides was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour, and was received by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Shri Ajay Tamta. He subsequently held discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on 22 May, ahead of delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House.
The summit produced a landmark outcome. During a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi announced the formal elevation of India–Cyprus relations to a Strategic Partnership. Addressing the media, PM Modi stated: “Cyprus is one of India’s top 10 investors. In the last decade, investments from Cyprus in India have nearly doubled. Trust between the two countries has grown. The India-EU FTA has opened up new opportunities. Leveraging this, we aim to double this investment once again over the next five years, and to realise this commitment, today we are elevating our trusted partnership to the level of a strategic partnership.”
Several MoUs were exchanged, covering digital infrastructure, FinTech, higher education and research, migration, diplomatic training, cultural cooperation, innovation and technology, and counter-terrorism. The two sides also established a joint task force on infrastructure, shipping, and economic cooperation.
Speaking during the joint press statement, President Christodoulides emphasised Cyprus’s unique position as a “trusted, stable, reliable bridge” between India and Europe. He also announced the formation of a ‘Friends of IMEC’ group — bringing together EU member states to advance the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor — describing the initiative as “visionary.” Cyprus additionally reaffirmed its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
President Christodoulides was subsequently received by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, who hosted an official state banquet in his honour.
