Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to visit India for high-level bilateral talks
New Delhi, Oct 29 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across strategic and economic domains, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday.
During his visit, the Cypriot minister will hold formal talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and deliver a public lecture on Thursday. The visit underscores the growing momentum in India–Cyprus relations, which have seen significant progress following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic trip to Cyprus earlier this year.
Key agenda: Strengthening diplomatic and strategic cooperation
According to the MEA, discussions between EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Kombos are expected to focus on reviewing ongoing bilateral initiatives and identifying new areas of collaboration. Both leaders are likely to deliberate on global developments, regional security, and economic partnerships.
This visit also comes at a time when India continues to deepen its engagement with European partners through high-level diplomatic outreach. The India–Cyprus partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared democratic values, has gained renewed attention as both nations seek closer cooperation in trade, defense, digital innovation, and education.
Jaishankar and Kombos met at UNGA last month
The two ministers last met on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, where they reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation since PM Modi’s visit.
Following that meeting, EAM Jaishankar shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) expressing optimism about the partnership.
“Always great meeting FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus. Reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since the successful visit of PM Narendra Modi. Appreciate his insights on developments in Europe. Reaffirmed support for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant UNSC resolutions. Look forward to welcoming him in India soon,” he wrote.
Their interaction in New York laid the groundwork for the current visit, reaffirming India’s continued support for Cyprus’s sovereignty and a peaceful settlement to the island’s longstanding division.
PM Modi’s landmark visit to Cyprus: Revitalizing ties after two decades
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2024 marked a major milestone in India–Cyprus relations — the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in more than twenty years. The visit underscored India’s intention to deepen engagement with smaller yet strategically significant European partners.
During his two-day trip, PM Modi held extensive talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, leading to the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, renewable energy, and digital technology.
In a symbolic gesture of friendship, President Christodoulides conferred upon PM Modi the nation’s highest civilian honor — the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The recognition reflected the growing warmth and mutual respect between the two nations.
The Cypriot President also took PM Modi on a guided tour along the ceasefire line in old Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital. The visit offered the Indian leader a glimpse into the deep-rooted political challenges that Cyprus continues to face nearly five decades after its division.
“Tour with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along the ceasefire line, in old Nicosia. Where the signs of the Turkish occupation remain visible,” the Government of the Republic of Cyprus posted on X, sharing photographs of the two leaders visiting the area.
Historical and geopolitical significance
Cyprus remains a key strategic partner for India within the European Union and an important ally in the Eastern Mediterranean. The two nations have consistently supported each other’s core national interests at global forums, including the UN.
India has long backed Cyprus’s territorial integrity and its efforts to resolve the “Cyprus Question” — the ongoing division of the island following Turkey’s 1974 military intervention and its subsequent recognition of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
New Delhi’s position aligns with international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions that call for a peaceful reunification of the island under a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation.
For Cyprus, India represents a rapidly emerging power and a strategic economic partner with immense potential for collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and higher education. The growing bilateral relationship also carries geopolitical significance as both countries navigate regional challenges posed by Turkey’s assertive policies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Ankara’s support for Pakistan.
Cyprus–India partnership: Expanding beyond diplomacy
The India–Cyprus partnership extends well beyond politics, encompassing economic, educational, and cultural collaboration. Cyprus has been an attractive investment destination for Indian businesses seeking entry into the European market, given its favorable tax framework and strong regulatory systems.
Recent years have also witnessed a surge in academic exchanges and tourism between the two nations. Cyprus’s universities have become popular among Indian students, while Indian cultural festivals and film collaborations have contributed to people-to-people connections.
During PM Modi’s June visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to exploring joint ventures in renewable energy, shipping, and the startup ecosystem. The upcoming visit of Foreign Minister Kombos is expected to further advance these initiatives and open new avenues for cooperation.
A symbol of continuity in India–EU engagement
Foreign Minister Kombos’s New Delhi visit also highlights India’s broader diplomatic efforts to enhance engagement with the European Union. Over the past few years, India has been strengthening bilateral relationships with individual EU members, including France, Italy, and Greece, to diversify its strategic partnerships.
Cyprus, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, serves as a valuable gateway for India to expand its trade and influence in the Mediterranean region. Both nations share a common vision for a free, open, and rules-based international order, making their collaboration increasingly relevant amid evolving global dynamics.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos’s three-day visit to India marks another milestone in the steadily evolving partnership between New Delhi and Nicosia. With a shared history of mutual respect, democratic values, and strategic cooperation, the two nations are poised to take their relationship to new heights.
As both sides engage in high-level discussions this week, the visit will likely pave the way for greater collaboration in defense, energy, digital innovation, and education — further cementing India’s growing footprint in Europe’s Mediterranean landscape.