JOINT DECLARATION ON INDIA CYPRUS COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

JOINT DECLARATION ON INDIA CYPRUS COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus from June 15 to 16, 2025.
• First visit by an Indian PM to Cyprus in over 20 years.
• A Joint Declaration was signed with President Nikos Christodoulides to build a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

• Reaffirmation of bilateral relations based on mutual trust, respect, and a shared strategic vision.
• Discussions covered bilateral, regional, and global cooperation.
• Agreement to strengthen cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity.

• Shared values include democracy, rule of law, peace, multilateralism, and sustainable development
• Support for a rules-based international order anchored in the UN Charter and international law.
• Emphasis on UNCLOS for maritime rights and freedom of navigation.
• Reaffirmed support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
• Discussed global issues including the Ukraine conflict and the Middle East.
• Cyprus supported India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
• Agreed to increase coordination at the UN and Commonwealth.
• Supported implementation of the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and the Blue Charter Centre of Excellence in Cyprus.
• Called for UN Security Council (UNSC) reform, supported progress in Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN).
• Cyprus reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded UNSC.
• Agreed on mutual support for candidacies in multilateral organizations.

• Commitment to hold regular political consultations.
• Use of existing bilateral mechanisms for follow-up.
• Ministries of Foreign Affairs (Cyprus) and External Affairs (India) to oversee the 2025–2029 Action Plan.

• Reaffirmed commitment to resolve the Cyprus Question under the UN framework.
• Supported a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as per UNSC resolutions.
• India reaffirmed support for Cyprus’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
• Both sides stressed avoiding unilateral actions to enable negotiations.

• Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
• Cyprus expressed solidarity with India, including on Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) terrorist attack.
• Agreed on:
  • Zero tolerance approach to terrorism
  • Respect for state sovereignty
  • Action against terror financing, safe havens, and infrastructure
  • Accountability for perpetrators
• Called for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.
• Emphasis on implementation of UNSC 1267 Sanctions and EU-designated lists.
• Commitment to enhance defence cooperation, including:
  • Strategic autonomy
  • Defence industry collaboration
  • Focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies
• Discussed strengthening maritime security:
  • Port calls by Indian naval vessels
  • Joint maritime training and domain awareness
• Agreement to cooperate in crisis response, evacuation, and Search and Rescue (SAR)

• Aim to act as regional connectors.
• Highlighted importance of India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• IMEC seen as a multi-modal project for economic integration and sustainable development.
• Recognized Cyprus as a gateway to Europe.
• Encouraged:
  • Indian shipping companies to establish presence in Cyprus
  • Joint maritime ventures between Indian and Cyprus-based companies

• Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
• Commitment to support EU–India Strategic Partnership.
• Welcomed progress in:
  • Strategic Dialogue
  • Defence and maritime security
  • Clean energy, digital infrastructure, and space cooperation
• Cyprus pledged support for finalizing the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by end of 2025.
• Support for the India–EU Trade and Technology Council.
• Agreement to pursue a forward-looking agenda beyond the 2025 Strategic Roadmap.

• Agreed to expand:
  • Trade and investment
  • Scientific research
  • Technological innovation

• Cyprus to send a high-level business delegation to India.
• Plan to organize a Cyprus–India Business Forum and a Business Round Table.
• Agreed to strengthen cooperation among:
  • Startups
  • Academic institutions
  • Industries
• Intend to sign an MoU on cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and research.

• Acknowledged people-to-people ties as a strategic asset.
• Agreed to finalize a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by end of 2025.
• Emphasis on increasing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
• Discussed enhancing tourism and establishing direct air connectivity.
• Supported more accessible travel through shared air partners.FUTURE ACTION PLAN
• Agreement to draft and implement a five-year bilateral Action Plan (2025–2029).
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cyprus) and Ministry of External Affairs (India) to supervise and monitor implementation.