New Delhi: India and Cyprus upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, launching a roadmap for defense cooperation and signing an MoU to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted President Nicos Christodoulides for talks. Modi said relations with Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, were based on shared values ​​such as democracy and rule of law, while reiterating India’s support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the eastern Mediterranean country, which is not recognized by Turkey.Describing Cyprus as an important investment gateway between India and the whole of Europe, Modi said, “We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. India is and will remain fully committed to these principles.” He said Cyprus is one of the top 10 investors in India and taking advantage of the growing confidence and India-EU FTA, both sides aim to double this investment in the next five years.The PM said, “This strategic partnership between India and Cyprus will open up the capital for commerce by connecting the financial and service centers of both countries. It will provide new opportunities for Indian companies in Cyprus’ infrastructure, energy and agriculture sectors and will also bring new investment in India’s fast-growing shipping and maritime sectors.”The leaders also discussed the IMEC initiative and defense and security cooperation, with Modi calling it an important pillar of the relationship. The PM said, “We are very happy that military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries have increased over the years. Today we also decided to further strengthen cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.” Both sides also established cyber security dialogue.With many Indian students and professionals living in Cyprus, the two sides soon agreed to conclude a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership as well as a social security agreement.Prime Minister Modi in his media statement raised the issues of Ukraine and West Asia and said that both the countries will continue to support efforts for peace and early end to the conflict. The two leaders also agreed that reform of global institutions is necessary and important to address growing global challenges, with the President reiterating Cyprus’ support for India’s permanent membership of the reformed Security Council.The leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, while condemning cross-border terrorism and the Pahalgam terrorist attack, rejecting double standards, state-sponsored terrorism and any justification for such acts under any circumstances.“Cyprus expresses solidarity and unwavering support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism,” the joint statement said.The two leaders recognized the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) in reshaping and promoting global trade, connectivity and prosperity. “They reiterated their shared commitment to promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East and stressed the importance of promoting corridors of deeper engagement and interconnectedness from India through the broader Middle East to Europe. “They discussed the establishment of a bilateral connectivity dialogue,” the statement said.