According to Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, India is becoming a "leading voice" in a more multipolar world, and Cyprus views New Delhi as both a "partner" and a "old friend" for future cooperation.
The "successful conclusion" of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to Kombos speech at an event on Thursday, will not only improve relations between the EU and India but also open up "immense economic opportunity" for Cyprus, India, and all of Europe.
"Cyprus and the World" was the subject of Kombos 55th Sapru House Lecture.
"India has the richest history, culture, and unparalleled potential, making it a worldwide powerhouse. "This is a fact," he stated, adding that Cyprus and India could work together.
He stated that Cyprus believes in constructing "networks of cooperation" rather than walls of division during a period of fragmentation, instability, and uncertainty.
We are gathered here in the middle of a polycrisis, the consequences of which are widespread and profound. There is no immunity nor insularity, according to Kombos.
He brought up the COVID-19 pandemic, the world's recent inflation increase, the global financial crisis, and "a war in Ukraine" following "Russia's illegal invasion and continued aggression".
He also emphasized Iran's nuclear ambitions, the threat in the Red Sea, and the current state of affairs in Gaza.
"Terrorism, radicalism, and radicalism are now worldwide realities. Additionally, the path of the global system is undetermined. As of right now, nobody is prepared to serve as an insurance policy for the global system's security. The minister from Cyprus stated, "We must all do that, both individually and collectively, and there is an opportunity in this."
"We see India as a natural partner and ally" in the "dynamic situation," he declared.
"Today, with India emerging as the leading voice in an increasing multipolar world, Cyprus sees India not only as an old friend, but also as a partner for future cooperation," he stated.
The India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025-2029, which was decided upon by leaders during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June visit to Cyprus, was the subject of bilateral discussions between Kombos and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier in the day.
"Prime Minister Modi's visit marked a historical milestone for this partnership, the launchpad for future collaboration," Kombos stated during his speech.
He emphasized that both nations recognize the "value of balance, diplomacy and dialogue" and have been influenced by the history of resistance to colonial authority. "We have consistently supported each other on matters of existential importance for both" over the years, according to Kombos.
From October 29 to October 31, Kombos will be in India on an official visit.
"We have an aggressor, we have an invader, and an occupier on our island," he stated in his speech without mentioning any particular nation. At the same time, many people look to that nation as a friend and ally.
Since 1974, Turkey has ruled over the northern portion of Cyprus.
The significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was also emphasized by Kombos.
"The IMEC is an innovative idea that has the potential to revolutionize regional connections and is an essential component of the platform and opportunity for cooperation. It is a geopolitical tool that could change important economic activity, trade routes, and international trade. Geographically, the Mediterranean region is crucial to the IMEC, and Cyprus is ideally situated to contribute to this new framework," the Cypriot leader stated.
Additionally, as an EU member nation, "we are committed to strengthening the EU-India partnership and in our upcoming presidency of the Council, it provides us an opportunity to inject new dynamism into this relationship", he stated.
On January 1, 2026, Cyprus will take over as the EU Council's rotating president.
"Cyprus is fully in favor of the EU and India concluding their protracted free trade agreement. And if this FTA is completed successfully, it will not only improve relations between the EU and India but also open up enormous economic opportunities for Cyprus, India, and all of Europe," Kombos stated.
He emphasized that while "we navigate polarities and complexities" and that the globe is in a "undeniable state of flux" today, Cyprus is still dedicated to being a responsible state.
Regarding its relationship with India, Kombos stated that the two nations are "charting a course together that is both strategic and forward looking," from historical solidarity to current cooperation, from shared principles to shared goals.
