Cyprus and India elevate relations to a strategic partnership
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides conducted a state visit to India in May 2026, meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. The two nations officially elevated their diplomatic ties to a Strategic Partnership, signing eleven deliverables including five Memoranda of Understanding and a roadmap for deeper cooperation. President Christodoulides emphasized that Cyprus serves as a gateway between India, the European Union, and the Middle East, noting the importance of EU-India trade relations. The discussions covered geopolitical stability, connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and mutual support for international law and sovereignty. Additionally, Cyprus expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. India reiterated its support for the reunification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation as defined by the United Nations. Both leaders acknowledged long-standing historical ties, citing archaeological evidence of trade dating back to the Bronze Age.