India and Cyprus upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership during talks between PM Narendra Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides, and also agreed to form a joint task force to enhance cooperation in sectors like infrastructure and shipping. The leaders discussed major global issues including the Ukraine war and the West Asia crisis, with Modi reiterating India’s support for efforts to end conflicts and restore peace at the earliest. He noted that investment from Cyprus into India has almost doubled over the past decade, and expressed confidence in further doubling it over the next five years, especially with new opportunities arising from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Modi described the bilateral relationship as strong and forward-looking, highlighting expanded cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism, as well as the need for reforms in global institutions to address emerging global challenges. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.