PM Modi, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides hold delegation-level talks in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday held delegationlevel talks focused on expanding the bilateral cooperation between New Delhi and NicosiaExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were among those presentAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs both leaders were expected to have extensive discussions on trade investment technology education culture mobility defence and security as well as emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence fintech innovation and research The two leaders are also slated to exchange views on regional and global developments including coordination in multilateral forumsCyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in New Delhi on Thursday following the Mumbai leg of his visitThe Ministry of External Affairs earlier noted how his visit builds on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic visit to Cyprus in June 2025 and reflects the shared commitment to further strengthening the IndiaCyprus partnershipAs part of the official state ceremonies PM Modi will host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary and President Droupadi Murmu will receive President Christodoulides and host an official banquet at the Rashtrapati BhavanEarlier External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in New DelhiIn a post on X Jaishankar said Value his positive sentiments and guidance for strengthening our bilateral ties and India EU cooperationThe New Delhi leg follows the initial phase of the fourday State Visit which began when President Christodoulides arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday Visiting from May 20 to 23 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi it marks his first visit to the country in his current capacity according to an official statement by the MEAThe Cyprus President is accompanied by a highlevel delegation including Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades and senior officials and business leaders The engagement carries heightened diplomatic weight as the visit comes less than a year after PM Modis landmark trip to Cyprus in June 2025 the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean nation in over two decadesAdding further strategic significance to the engagement Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European UnionThe official itinerary commenced in Maharashtra where President Christodoulides initially touched down and was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Mumbai airport on Wednesday In an earlier post on X detailing that leg of the trip the MEA had highlighted that India and Cyprus share timetested close relations rooted in shared values and strong peopletopeople tiesWhile in Mumbai the Cyprus President participated in a business forum specifically aimed at boosting commercial and investment ties between the two nations with a strong focus on expanding broader economic engagementWith both nations looking to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 officials have described this state visit as a crucial step in building on the growing momentum of the bilateral partnership and strengthening cooperation within the broader IndiaEuropean Union frameworkThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever