India Cyprus Strengthen Defence Ties Under Strategic Partnership
India and Cyprus discuss advancing defence cooperation under their strategic partnership, focusing on the 2026-31 defence roadmap, training, defence industry ties, maritime security, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
India and Cyprus have discussed ways to advance bilateral defence cooperation under their strategic partnership, with both sides focusing on implementing the Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for 2026-31.
Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus Manish met Spyros Miltiades, Diplomatic Advisor to the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, in Nicosia. The meeting reviewed opportunities to strengthen defence engagement and ensure practical follow-up on the bilateral roadmap.
Also Read: How AI is Transforming Manufacturing beyond the Factory Floor
The discussions covered training and capacity building, defence industry partnerships, maritime security and search and rescue, as well as cooperation in cyber security and emerging technologies. Both sides emphasized the importance of regular engagement to translate the strategic partnership into concrete areas of cooperation.
The latest engagement follows the elevation of India-Cyprus relations to a Strategic Partnership during Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ state visit to India in May 2026. At the time, the two countries concluded a five-year roadmap for defence cooperation covering the period from 2026 to 2031.
Under the roadmap, India and Cyprus have identified defence industrial cooperation, technology partnerships, exchanges, training and capacity building as important areas for expanding bilateral engagement. The two countries have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in cyber security and emerging technologies and established a dedicated Cyber security Dialogue.
Defence industry cooperation is another emerging area in the relationship. The Cyprus Defence & Space Industries Cluster and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers have signed an agreement aimed at encouraging collaboration between defence industries in the two countries. Potential areas include defence electronics, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, surveillance, communications and dual-use technologies.
Maritime cooperation is also gaining momentum. India and Cyprus recently held the first meeting of their Joint Maritime Committee in Limassol under their 2017 bilateral agreement on merchant shipping. Discussions covered maritime education and training, investment opportunities, shipping services, ship repair and recycling, seafarer welfare and green shipping.
The maritime engagement is expected to continue with a planned visit by Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister to India with a business delegation. A Maritime Business Forum is also scheduled to be held in Mumbai in November 2026 to explore commercial partnerships and investment opportunities.
Also Read: Unlocking Manufacturing Growth with Innovation
The latest defence discussions reflect the broader expansion of India-Cyprus relations following the strategic partnership agreement. Both countries are seeking to build stronger institutional cooperation across defence, maritime security, technology and industry while maintaining regular engagement on regional and international issues.
