India, Cyprus draw up roadmap as Nicosia eyes military purchases

New Delhi: Cyprus will seek to procure defence hardware from India, while defence companies from both countries will explore partnerships under a cooperation roadmap for 2026-31 announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's summit meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday.

Cyprus has expressed interest in acquiring military systems used by India during Operation Sindoor, Cypriot officials said.

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India and Cyprus agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including collaboration between their defence industries, with a focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies. The two sides also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Cyprus Defence & Space Industries Cluster and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.

Welcoming the India-Cyprus Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed in February 2026, Modi and Christodoulides underscored the scope for greater cooperation in the defence sector.

As maritime nations with longstanding naval traditions, the two leaders also backed stronger cooperation in the maritime domain, including regular port calls by Indian naval vessels and the exploration of joint maritime training and exercises to improve maritime domain awareness and regional security.

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Strengthening Cyprus' defence infrastructure is critical for bolstering its deterrence against Turkish ambitions in the Mediterranean region.