The State Visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, to India from 20 to 23 May 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded with both nations elevating bilateral ties from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership. The visit assumed particular significance as it took place during Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and built on the momentum of PM Modi's June 2025 visit to Nicosia. During delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on 22 May 2026, PM Modi and President Christodoulides agreed to establish a Joint Task Force to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and shipping, with a target to double bilateral investment over the next five years. The two sides adopted a Defence Cooperation Roadmap for 2026-2031, set up a Cyber Security Dialogue, a Consular Dialogue, and announced a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism. Six MoUs were signed covering diplomatic training, higher education, cultural cooperation, innovation and technology, and a technical arrangement on Search and Rescue. Cyprus reiterated its firm support for India's permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council, and India welcomed support to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Both sides reaffirmed commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.
India and Cyprus Conclude State Visit of President Nikos Christodoulides from 20 to 23 May 2026 With the Two Countries Elevating Bilateral Ties to a Strategic Partnership, Setting Up a Joint Task Force on Infrastructure and Shipping, Adopting a 2026 to 2031 Defence Roadmap, Signing Six MoUs and Cyprus Reiterating Support for India's Permanent UNSC Membership and the IMEC Connectivity Corridor
The State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India (20-23 May 2026) elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, set up a Joint Task Force on infrastructure and shipping, adopted a 2026-2031 Defence Roadmap, signed six MoUs, and saw Cyprus reaffirm support for India's permanent UNSC seat and IMEC.
Key facts
- State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India held from 20-23 May 2026 at PM Modi's invitation
- Bilateral ties elevated from Comprehensive Partnership to Strategic Partnership during talks at Hyderabad House on 22 May 2026
- Joint Task Force established on infrastructure and shipping with a target to double bilateral investment in five years
- Defence Cooperation Roadmap for 2026-2031, Cyber Security Dialogue, Consular Dialogue and a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism announced
- Six MoUs signed covering diplomatic training, higher education, cultural cooperation, innovation and technology, and a technical arrangement on Search and Rescue
- Cyprus reiterated firm support for India's permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council and welcomed cooperation under IMEC
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With reference to the India-Cyprus Joint Statement issued during the State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India (20-23 May 2026), consider the following statements: 1. India and Cyprus elevated their bilateral relationship from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership. 2. The two sides adopted a Defence Cooperation Roadmap for the period 2026-2031. 3. Cyprus reiterated firm support for India's permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council. Which of the statements given above are correct?
All three statements are correct. During the State Visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India from 20-23 May 2026, the two countries elevated bilateral ties from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership at the talks held at Hyderabad House on 22 May 2026. They also adopted a Defence Cooperation Roadmap for 2026-2031, established a Cyber Security Dialogue, a Consular Dialogue and a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, and signed six MoUs. Cyprus, currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, reiterated firm support for India's permanent UNSC membership and welcomed cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Source: Prime Minister of India
Frequently asked questions
What was the duration and significance of the State Visit of Cyprus President to India?
President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus paid a State Visit to India from 20 to 23 May 2026 at the invitation of PM Modi. The visit was significant as it took place during Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union and elevated India-Cyprus ties to a Strategic Partnership.
What is IMEC and how does Cyprus support it?
IMEC stands for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a connectivity initiative announced at the G20 in 2023 linking India to the EU via West Asia. Cyprus, as an EU member at the Mediterranean junction, expressed support for cooperation under IMEC.
How many MoUs were signed during the visit?
Six MoUs/agreements were signed covering diplomatic training, higher education, cultural cooperation, innovation and technology, a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, and a technical arrangement on Search and Rescue.
What is the Cyprus Question?
The Cyprus Question refers to the long-standing dispute over the division of Cyprus following the 1974 Turkish military intervention. India supports a comprehensive settlement on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in line with UN resolutions.
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