India and Cyprus Strengthen Ties in Defence, Trade, and Counter-Terrorism

India and Cyprus have strengthened their ties in several key areas, including defence, maritime security, trade, and counter-terrorism, as a result of a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cyprus on his way to the G7 Summit in Canada. The visit was seen as a message to Turkiye, which has backed Pakistan in recent clashes with India. Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodulides reiterated their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries and emphasized the need for solutions through dialogue and restoration of stability in the face of conflicts in West Asia and Europe.

Key Takeaways:

• India and Cyprus agreed on measures to ramp up cooperation in defence, maritime security, and trade.
• The two countries will enhance cooperation in defence industry collaboration, cyber security, and maritime security.
• A joint declaration issued by the two leaders stated that Cyprus expressed unwavering support for India's fight against cross-border terror.
• Modi and Christodulides called for disruption of terror financing networks, elimination of safe havens, and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.
• The leaders emphasized the need for India and Cyprus to work together to bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly.
• Modi highlighted the similarity between Cyprus's Vision 2035 and the vision of Developed India 2047 and proposed a five-year roadmap to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas.
• The two sides will conclude a mobility agreement soon and create direct air connectivity between the two countries.

Statistics:

• 23 years: the time since an Indian Prime Minister visited Cyprus.
• 1974: the year Turkish forces seized a third of the Mediterranean island, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• 2023: the year in which Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus in 23 years.
• $100 billion: the energy potential of the Indian Ocean, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi during a joint media interaction.

Sources:

• Hindustan Times. (2023, June 16). India, Cyprus agree on ways to strengthen ties in defence, trade, and counter-terrorism.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the joint media interaction with Cypriot President Nikos Christodulides.
• The Joint Declaration issued by the two leaders.