President Christodoulides conducts state visit to India
President Nikos Christodoulides visited India this week to strengthen bilateral, economic, and political relations. After an initial stop in Mumbai, where he participated in an investment forum and rang the closing bell at the National Stock Exchange, he arrived in New Delhi on Thursday. He was welcomed by Indian Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. During his visit to Mumbai, the President announced the opening of a Cypriot trade center in the city, set to launch on September 1. Multiple memoranda of understanding were signed between Cypriot and Indian organizations, including agreements in the defense and technology sectors. President Christodoulides held roundtable discussions with roughly 30 Indian entrepreneurs, highlighting Cyprus as an investment destination with over 81 billion euros in foreign investment. He also addressed Cyprus's progress toward Schengen Zone accession, noting that a political decision is expected by late 2026 or early 2027. Further diplomatic engagements in New Delhi include meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and President Droupadi Murmu.