Modi expresses support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus

In a sign of India’s expanding involvement in the eastern Mediterranean region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 22, 2026) said that India’s ties with Cyprus are based on “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Welcoming Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Mr. Modi laid out an ambitious canvas for the bilateral relationship, presenting Cyprus as an “investment gateway” to the European Union. Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

India and Cyprus announced the elevation of their bilateral ties to the level of a “strategic partnership”, and also formed a roadmap for defence cooperation. Cypriot officials said that Nicosia is interested in buying items from the Indian defence industry. 

Supporting Cyprus against Turkey

“India-Cyprus relations are strong as well as futuristic. Our relationship is based on democracy and the rule of law. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. India is totally committed to these principles and will remain so in the future,” the Prime Minister said in a statement, after the two sides held delegation-level talks and sealed multiple agreements at Hyderabad House.

Mr. Modi’s reference to “sovereignty and territorial integrity” is being widely interpreted as support for Cyprus as it continues to deal with Northern Cyprus, which Turkey recognises as a separate state. Speaking off the record, Cypriot officials referred to their concerns regarding Turkey, which they noted had extended help to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Cyprus also extended support to India’s position on the reform of global institutions like the UN Security Council and reiterated its condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Bridge to the EU

In his remarks, the visiting President presented Cyprus-India ties as an entry point for India’s wider relationship with the European Union with which India concluded a Free Trade Agreement earlier this year.

“Cyprus is uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted, stable, reliable bridge between India and Europe, a bridge between the European Union, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the wider Middle East,” said Mr. Christodoulides, noting that “regional connectivity initiatives including the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)” featured in the talks on Friday (May 22, 2026).