India–Cyprus Ties in Focus as FM Kombos Visits New Delhi

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India–Cyprus Ties in Focus as FM Kombos Visits New Delhi

1. Context:

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit to India. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral and strategic cooperation between India and Cyprus, building on the growing momentum in diplomatic relations.2. Key Engagements:

• Meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar to discuss regional, bilateral, and global issues of mutual interest.
• Lecture at Sapru House, a key venue for policy discussions under the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

3. Background:

• The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Cyprus in June 2025, during which a Joint Declaration was issued.
• The declaration laid out a roadmap for deepening strategic cooperation, including stronger India–EU linkages.

4. Major Outcomes of the June 2025 Declaration:

• Both nations agreed to collaborate closely to conclude the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by end-2025, aligning with Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council Presidency in 2026.
• The partnership reaffirmed mutual commitments to:
  • Democracy and rule of law
  • Multilateralism and global cooperation
  • Sustainable and inclusive development
• The statement underscored India and Cyprus as trusted partners in promoting regional and global stability.

5. Significance of the Visit:

• Reinforces India’s diplomatic engagement with EU member states through bilateral visits and economic diplomacy.
• Strengthens India’s role in Europe’s strategic outreach, especially ahead of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency.
• Enhances cooperation in trade, investment, maritime security, renewable energy, and digital governance.

STATIC INFORMATION

• India–Cyprus Diplomatic Relations:
  • Established: 1962
  • Nature of Relations: Long-standing friendship based on shared democratic values and membership in the Commonwealth.
  • Key Areas of Cooperation: Trade, investment, tourism, shipping, education, and renewable energy.
  • Bilateral Agreement: The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) revised in 2016 boosted financial and investment transparency.
• Cyprus – Key Facts:
  • Capital: Nicosia
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Location: Eastern Mediterranean, member of the European Union (EU) since 2004.
  • EU Presidency: Cyprus is set to assume the EU Council Presidency in 2026.

Updated – 30 October 2025 ; 7:10 AM | News Source – News On Air