India, Cyprus to develop roadmap to give strategic direction to bilateral partnership: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India and Cyprus would develop a complete roadmap to give a strategic direction for the partnership between the two nation.

"To further strengthen defence and security cooperation, emphasis will be laid on defence industry under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme. A separate dialogue will be initiated on cyber and maritime security," Modi said.

Further, Modi thanked Cyprus for continued support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism, adding that a real time information exchange would be developed between the agencies of the two countries.


The prime minister said that the two countries were over conflicts in Europe, West Asia, adding that this is not an era of war.

Modi said that the two countries have similar views on the reforms needed to make the UN contemporary and thanked Cyprus for supporting India's permanent membership in the Security Council.

Terming Cyprus as a major tourist destination for Indians, Modi said efforts would be made for direct air connectivity between the two countries.

In his talk with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Modi talked about increasing connectivity with the Mediterranean region. "We agree that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will pave the way for peace and prosperity in the region," Modi said.

The prime minister held delegation-level talks with Christodoulides to discuss a range of issues to boost the bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were present during the talks.

Earlier, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at the Presidential Palace ahead of the talks.

"This honour conferred upon me is not just mine but an honour for my country. This is a stamp of unbreakable friendship between Cyprus and India," PM Modi said.

Modi is currently visiting Cyprus, the first leg of his three-nation tour. This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decades.