India-Cyprus Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership

On 22nd May 2026, India and Cyprus elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, education, and maritime sectors.

Key Points

Counterterrorism Cooperation: India and Cyprus signed an MoU to establish a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism.
Technology Collaboration: An agreement was signed on innovation and digital technology cooperation between the two countries.
Maritime and Rescue Cooperation: Both nations concluded a technical arrangement on search and rescue operations.
Education and Culture: Agreements were signed for higher education, research cooperation, and cultural exchanges for 2026-2030.
Defence Roadmap: India and Cyprus announced a defence cooperation roadmap for 2026-2031.
Indo-Pacific Initiative: Cyprus joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative under the trade and maritime connectivity pillar.
BHISM Cube Gift: India will gift a Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISM) Cube to Cyprus.