Cyprus

Christodoulides begins official visit to India

By: SigmaLive English

Date:

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides is travelling today to India for an official visit, accompanied by ministers and business representatives.

The visit will focus on bilateral relations, investment attraction, and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The invitation was extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus last year, which marked the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the island in 23 years.

Strategic cooperation and investment focus

Speaking on Tuesday, Christodoulides described the trip as highly significant, noting it follows the groundwork laid during Modi’s visit to Cyprus last June.

He said the two countries aim to deepen strategic cooperation in politics, the economy, investment and tourism, adding that several agreements are expected to be signed and announcements made during the visit.

Diplomatic sources said the timing is important, following the EU–India free trade agreement and as Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Strong economic and business delegation

The visit places strong emphasis on economic diplomacy, with around 50 Cypriot business leaders participating in the delegation.

Representatives from sectors including IT, innovation, green transition, energy, manufacturing and industry will attend a business forum scheduled for Thursday.

Senior representatives from the Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank and Alpha Bank will also participate, with Eurobank set to inaugurate its representative office in Mumbai.

IMEC corridor and regional role

Key discussions are expected to focus on technology, artificial intelligence, defence, shipping, connectivity and tourism, alongside the IMEC corridor project.

The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is seen as a major strategic initiative, with Cyprus positioned as a potential gateway between India, the Middle East and the European Union.

Officials said Cyprus offers advantages such as EU membership, English-language business environment and common law legal structure, making it attractive to Indian companies.

Program of meetings in India

Upon arrival in Mumbai on Wednesday, the President will attend an official welcome ceremony and visit the site of the 2008 Taj Mahal Palace terrorist attack, where he will lay a wreath in memory of the victims, including a Cypriot national.

On Thursday, he will attend the Cyprus–India Business Forum and later visit the Indian Stock Exchange before travelling to New Delhi.

On Friday, he will meet India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and later lay a wreath at the Gandhi memorial.

He will then hold talks with Modi, followed by expanded meetings, joint statements and an official lunch hosted by the Indian Prime Minister.

Later in the evening, he will meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu at a formal dinner.

The President is expected to return to Cyprus on Saturday afternoon.

Also read: Turkish surveillance aircraft patrols between Crete and Cyprus
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