India Cyprus Defence Deal: India and Cyprus have given their defence and security ties a fresh lift. On May 22, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides held talks in New Delhi and came out with a joint statement that put security, counter-terror work, and wider strategic cooperation at the centre. The two sides also welcomed the India-Cyprus Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme that was signed in February 2026, along with a new technical arrangement for search and rescue work at sea.
The two leaders also agreed on a Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for the years 2026 to 2031. That roadmap is meant to give the partnership a more fixed shape and turn it into practical work between the two defence ministries.
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What the two countries agreed on
The joint statement makes clear that India and Cyprus want to work more closely in defence, security, and counter-terrorism. They agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation through their defence industries, with special focus on cybersecurity and new technology. They also welcomed the MoU between Cyprus Defence & Space Industries Cluster and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, which is meant to help defence industry cooperation and technology sharing.
Both sides also backed a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism. That group is meant to support information sharing, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. The leaders also agreed to set up cyber and maritime security dialogues and to build a system for real-time exchange of information on terrorism, drugs, and arms trafficking.
They also spoke about the sea. Since both countries are maritime nations, they want more naval cooperation. That includes regular port calls by Indian naval ships, joint maritime training, and exercises that can improve maritime awareness and regional security.
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Why the deal is Important?
The wider meaning of this move is bigger than defence alone. India and Cyprus both said they support peace, democracy, the rule of law, effective multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. They also stressed freedom of navigation and the importance of international law. Cyprus reaffirmed support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council, while India repeated its support for Cyprus’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
The two sides also said the partnership should keep growing into trade, technology, innovation, and people-to-people links. The 2025 joint declaration had already called for a five-year action plan for 2025-29, and the latest talks now give that relationship a more security-focused shape.
