Indian defence delegation visits Cyprus to strengthen security cooperation

India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh conducted an official visit to Cyprus on October 12 and 13, 2026, aimed at deepening strategic ties in maritime security and defence industry collaboration. The visit follows a high-level meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2026, which established a momentum for a bilateral Defence Cooperation Roadmap covering the period 2026–2031. During his stay, Singh held talks with Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Foreign Ministry official Thesalia Salina Siampou, focusing on cybersecurity, space technology, and dual-use capabilities.

Key engagements included a visit to the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari, where Singh met with the Commander of the Cyprus Navy, Commodore Nikolaos Loukas. India has offered to support the Cypriot Navy through personnel training, technical assistance, and the development of operational capabilities, although no specific timelines or equipment contracts have been finalized yet. The Indian delegation also met with representatives from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore industrial synergies. Following the conclusion of his Cyprus visit, Secretary Singh is scheduled to travel to Greece to continue discussions with senior military officials through October 15, 2026.