New Delhi has forged deeper bonds with Cyprus, a key Mediterranean hub, as bilateral trade surges to $150 million. This milestone underscores decades of diplomatic synergy between the two Commonwealth nations.
Cyprus, independent since 1960, established formal ties with India in 1962. Nestled as a strategic bridge between Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, the island nation boasts an area of 9,251 square kilometers and a population nearing 1.27 million by 2025. Despite its division following the 1974 Turkish invasion—splitting it into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, recognized only by Turkey—relations with India remain robust.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark 2025 visit marked the first by an Indian PM in 23 years. He received Cyprus’s highest civilian honor, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, highlighting mutual respect. On international platforms, Cyprus consistently backs India on issues like terrorism and Jammu-Kashmir, while India supports Cyprus’s territorial integrity.
Trade dynamics are thriving. India imports pharmaceuticals, beverages, machinery, ceramics, chemicals, and electrical equipment from Cyprus. In return, Cyprus sources Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, iron and steel, ceramic tiles, chemicals, agricultural products like rice, oilseeds, tea, and spices, plus medical devices, garments, engineering goods, auto parts, IT, and software services.
A pivotal 2025 agreement launched UPI in Cyprus, streamlining digital payments and boosting economic ties. Though the Indian diaspora in Cyprus is small, interest in yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian culture is surging, paving the way for cultural exchanges.
These developments signal a promising era of collaboration, with both nations eyeing expanded opportunities in trade, technology, and beyond.