New Delhi: India and Cyprus have agreed to significantly deepen their cooperation in defence, security, and counter-terrorism, marking a major step forward in strategic ties between the two countries.
The understanding was reached during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, following which both leaders issued a comprehensive joint statement outlining their shared priorities on regional security, defence collaboration, and global counter-terrorism efforts.
Strong Stand Against Terrorism
Both nations reaffirmed their uncompromising stance against terrorism in all forms and called for stronger international cooperation to combat extremist threats. The leaders urged the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations framework and stressed the importance of coordinated global action against UN and EU-designated terrorist groups.
The statement also highlighted the need for intensified cooperation to tackle violent extremism, radicalisation, terror financing, and money laundering. India and Cyprus emphasized the growing risks posed by the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist activities and called for stronger mechanisms to curb online radicalisation and recruitment.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, the two countries rejected double standards, state-sponsored terrorism, and any attempt to justify terrorist acts under any circumstances.
New Counter-Terrorism Mechanism
As part of the growing strategic partnership, India and Cyprus welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
The proposed mechanism is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation through intelligence sharing, knowledge exchange, training initiatives, and capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening both countries’ security frameworks.
The leaders also stressed the importance of dismantling terror infrastructure and eliminating safe havens for terrorist networks through coordinated international efforts involving the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Expanding Defence Cooperation
Defence and security cooperation emerged as a major focus area during the discussions. Both countries agreed to expand engagement between their defence sectors, including collaboration between defence industries, with special emphasis on cybersecurity, innovation, and emerging technologies.
In this context, officials welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cyprus Defence and Space Industries Cluster and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, aimed at promoting industrial partnerships and technology cooperation.
The two sides also expressed satisfaction over the India-Cyprus Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed earlier this year and welcomed the finalisation of a new roadmap for defence cooperation between the two countries for the 2026–2031 period.
Maritime and Strategic Partnership
Recognising their identities as maritime nations with long naval traditions, India and Cyprus agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security and related strategic sectors.
The discussions reflected the growing convergence between the two countries on global security issues, technological collaboration, and regional stability, while also reinforcing India’s expanding partnerships in the Mediterranean and European region.
Officials described the talks as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation in defence, security, technology, and international peace efforts.
