India, Cyprus upgrade ties, sign pact to counter terror

Key Takeaways

• NEW DELHI: India and Cyprus upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, launched a roadmap for defence cooperation and signed an MoU for establishing a joint working group on counterterrorism as PM Narendra Modi hosted President Nikos Christodoulides for talks.
• Modi said ties with Cyprus, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, were based on shared values like democracy and the rule of law, while reiterating India's support to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the eastern Mediterranean country that is not recognised by Tukiye."We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
• India is and will remain fully committed to these principles," said Modi, calling Cyprus an important investment gateway between India and the whole of Europe.
• He said that Cyprus was one of India's top 10 investors and with growing trust, and capitalising on the India-EU FTA, both sides aimed to double this investment in the next five years."This strategic partnership between India and Cyprus will unlock capital for commerce by connecting the financial and services hubs of both countries.
• It will provide new opportunities for Indian companies in Cyprus' infrastructure, energy, and agriculture sectors, and will also bring new investment to India's rapidly growing shipping and maritime sectors," said the PM.The leaders discussed the IMEC initiative and also defence and security cooperation, with Modi calling it an important pillar of the relationship.