gateway — Cyprus serves as India’s natural gateway to Europe, a statement emphasised by India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, during the Cyprus Forum 2025 in Nicosia. His remarks highlighted the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in enhancing global connectivity and trade.
Gateway: IMEC: A Transformational Initiative
At the forum, High Commissioner Manish outlined India’s vision for IMEC, describing it as a vital connectivity project aimed at lowering logistics costs, reducing transport times, and creating new trade pathways that connect Asia, the Gulf region, and Europe.
Opportunities for Collaboration with Cyprus
Manish emphasised the strategic positioning of Cyprus in this framework, suggesting numerous avenues for bilateral cooperation. He mentioned shipping, renewable energy including green hydrogen, digital trade facilitation, financial services, and education as key areas where India and Cyprus could work together.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Development
During his speech, the High Commissioner reflected on the shared commitment of both nations towards sustainable development and rules-based international cooperation. This aligns with IMEC’s focus on green energy, digital integration, and inclusive growth.
Building on Previous Diplomatic Engagements
This dialogue follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June, which laid the groundwork for deeper bilateral engagement. Modi engaged in extensive discussions with President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, focusing on enhancing cooperation across trade, investment, security, and technology sectors.
Emphasising Stability and Connectivity
During their June meeting, both leaders acknowledged IMEC’s transformative potential and reiterated their commitment to stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East. They stressed the importance of fostering deeper engagement and connections from the Indian subcontinent through the Middle East to Europe.
Encouraging Indian Investment in Cypriot Shipping
Recognising Cyprus’s strategic role, both Modi and Christodoulides welcomed the possibility of Indian shipping companies establishing a presence in Cyprus. They encouraged maritime cooperation through joint ventures between Cyprus-based and Indian maritime service providers, aimed at strengthening economic and logistical ties.
Cyprus as a Regional Hub
The speakers at the forum also acknowledged Cyprus’s potential to act as a regional hub for transshipment, storage, distribution, and logistics within the IMEC initiative. This vision underscores the importance of Cyprus in creating a robust economic corridor linking these regions.
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