IMEC, counter-terror and more: 5 things about India-Cyprus joint statement

In the first such engagement in more than two decades, India and Cyprus have found common ground on a host of issues from connectivity under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to counter-terrorism and respect to territorial integrity against expansionist entities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides. He was also conferred the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’, the highest honour in the country.

In a show of unity against Turkey, which is common irritant to both the countries, Christodoulides accompanied Modi to the Green Line that divides Cyprus’ territory under the control of the government from the part of northern Cyprus that Turkey has illegally occupied from 1974.

Here are five highlights of the India-Cyprus joint statements released by Modi and Christodoulides.

1. ‘Unwavering support for sovereignty & territorial integrity’

In the joint statement, India and Cyprus reaffirmed their “unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations”.

Both India and Cyprus have had their territorial integrity violated over the years and Turkey is a common irritant.

While Turkey illegally occupies around a third of Cyprus, it has emerged as the principal partner of Pakistan, which continues to illegally occupy parts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) since 1947-48. In the last month’s India-Pakistan conflict, Turkish drones were a mainstay of Pakistan’s arsenal against India.

“They held detailed discussions on international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed the importance of upholding the global non-proliferation architecture, recognising the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers group,” the statement read.

2. A reformed, multipolar world

In one voice, India and Cyprus sought the creation of a multipolar world with a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

To make the UNSC more effective, efficient, and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges, Modi and Christodoulides agreed on the forward movement in the “intergovernmental negotiations on United Nations Security Council reform and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations”.

Cyprus reiterated its support for the expansion of UNSC and India’s inclusion as a permanent member.

3. Counter-terrorism and security

Cyprus and India unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats, the joint statement read.

Christodoulides joined Modi in condemning the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and expressed “solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism”. He joined India in the commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.

Modi and Christodoulides called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks, elimination of safe havens, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly, and emphasised the need for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained approach to combatting terrorism across borders. For such a purpose, they emphasised the importance of bilateral as well as multilateral efforts.

Modi and Christodoulides called for a deeper collaboration in maritime security as both are seafaring nations. They also agreed to institutionalise evacuation and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

4. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

Modi and Christodoulides laid the groundwork for Cyprus’ inclusion in the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

As Cyprus is located at a place what can be dubbed as a gateway to Europe, the two leaders recognised the country’s potential “to serve as a regional hub for transshipment, storage, distribution, and logistics”. They also stressed on opportunities of bilateral shipping collaboration.

While Cyprus was not among the original eight signatories of IMEC, it has lately been seen as a gateway and a transshipment hub for the corridor.

5. India-Cyprus collaboration at EU

Modi and Christodoulides also agreed to take the India-Cyprus collaboration to the European Union (EU) as Cyprus will hold the EU presidency early next year.

Currently, India and EU are engaged in trade talks and a trade deal is expected by the end of the year.

Cyprus pledged to work towards the advancement of the EU-India strategic partnership during the presidency and both sides expressed readiness to support the conclusion of the EU–India trade deal by the end of this year and recognised its significant economic and strategic potential, the statement read.