India and Cyprus on Friday elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in sectors including infrastructure, shipping, maritime security and counter-terrorism. A joint task force will also be established to strengthen collaboration in key areas such as shipping and infrastructure development.

During the talks, both sides discussed major global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving an early end to hostilities and restoring peace. He also highlighted the growing economic ties between the two countries, noting that Cypriot investment in India has nearly doubled over the past decade. Modi said both nations are now aiming to double investment again within the next five years, driven by growing trust and new opportunities emerging through the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.