India, Cyprus reiterate commitment to promote peace in Indo-Pacific
New Delhi, May 23
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS, a statement by the Prime Minister's Office said.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated Cyprus for joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, underscoring its potential to deepen cooperation in maritime security as well as the sustainable use of marine resources.
Both leaders recognised the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor's (IMEEC) transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. They reiterated their shared commitment to promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East and emphasised the importance of fostering deeper engagement and corridors of interconnection from India through the wider Middle East to Europe. They discussed the establishment of a Bilateral Connectivity Dialogue.
As per the statement, the leaders expressed their support for the early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement between the key stakeholders in order to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
On the recent developments in West Asia, both the Leaders underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the underlying issues in a peaceful manner, including safe and unimpeded passage of maritime shipping.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of upholding the global non-proliferation architecture, recognising the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group, as per the statement.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening of India-Cyprus relations, and in order to take forward the cooperation under the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership, they directed both sides to work for the timely implementation of the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025-2029. The Leaders agreed to maintain regular interaction building upon the shared spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, the statement read.
Cyprus President thanked Prime Minister Modi for the excellent arrangements during his State Visit extended by the Government and the people of India. The Leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of Cyprus and India as strategic partners and vital connectors between Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Indo-Pacific, committed to advancing peace, stability, connectivity, and prosperity.
They reaffirmed their commitment to delivering tangible outcomes under the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025-2029 and to further strengthening India-Cyprus cooperation as a dynamic pillar of the broader India-EU strategic partnership.
The Leaders agreed that the present visit marks a decisive step in transforming a historically strong relationship into a new stage in bilateral relations, elevating the partnership into a more ambitious, modern, strategic, and future-oriented framework of cooperation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Cyprus joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Small nations like Cyprus can play an important role in maritime security. But honestly, the real test will be in implementation. How quickly can the Joint Action Plan 2025-2029 produce tangible results? Let's hope the next 5 years see concrete cooperation.
Interesting how both leaders are stressing dialogue and diplomacy for the Ukraine conflict and West Asia tensions. India's consistent position on peaceful resolution is being recognized globally. And the NSG membership mention is crucial - India deserves a permanent seat given our non-proliferation record. Time for the world to acknowledge that.
As someone from the West, it's fascinating to see India's growing diplomatic footprint. Cyprus bridging Europe and the Indo-Pacific is a smart move. But I wonder if the US and EU are fully on board with India taking a leading role in this region. The China factor is definitely in the background here.
Finally some concrete cooperation beyond just talk! The Bilateral Connectivity Dialogue and Joint Action Plan sound promising. But I hope the focus isn't only on security - trade, culture, and people-to-people ties matter too. Cyprus has beautiful beaches, maybe more Indians can visit there visa-free? 😊
I appreciate the strategic vision, but let's be honest - Cyprus is a small country. What real difference can they make in the Indo-Pacific? This seems more like symbolic diplomacy. India needs to focus on bigger players like Japan, Australia, and France for meaningful maritime security cooperation.
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