Indian Council of World Affairs

H.E. Dr. Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus,
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar,
H.E. Mr. Evagoras Veyonides, High Commissioner of Republic of Cyprus to India,
Her Excellency Ambassador Thessalia Salina Shambos, Political Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Cyprus
Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Acting Director General of ICWA,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Namaste, Good Afternoon!

I extend a very warm welcome to H.E. Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Constantinos Kombos, and the accompanying delegation members to India. It is a proud moment for all of us to have Minister Kombos here for the 55^th Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs. We are here to listen to His Excellency the Foreign Minister. Hence I will be very brief with my remarks.

2. India and Cyprus enjoy longstanding close and friendly relations. Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Cyprus in June 2025, after a gap of more than two decades by an Indian Prime Minister. The visit has imparted much-needed momentum to the bilateral relations. A Joint Declaration on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership between the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of India was issued during the visit. Subsequently a Joint Action Plan has been formulated and approved by the External Affairs Minister of India and Foreign Minister Kombos to guide bilateral relations for the next five years.

3. Our relationship has developed into a comprehensive partnership anchored in mutual respect, shared democratic values and a joint strategic vision. Cyprus is a key partner in India’s fight against terrorism. Since the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, a series of high-level exchanges has taken place, including that of the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus and the National Security Advisor of Cyprus, and several important visits are planned in the coming months.

4.    As the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1^st January 2026, I would like to take this opportunity to touch upon the ‘Strategic Convergences between India and the European Union in the 21^st Century’.

5.  Over the past decade and more, India has embarked on a remarkable journey of economic and technological transformation under the Hon’ble PM Modi. Today, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and it is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy soon. India is marching ahead with a clear vision and ambition of becoming a developed nation, “Viksit Bharat”, by 2047 when it will complete 100 years of independence. In this transformational Amrit kaal journey Europe is an important partner of India.

6.  In the present global scenario, India and the EU - two of the world’s largest democracies and most diverse societies - are choosing cooperation and dialogue over competition. Together we are 25% of the world population and 25% of the global GDP.

7. The growing convergence between India and the EU is evident in the intensive high-level exchanges. The unprecedented visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February was an important milestone. The India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is a unique mechanism in deepening collaboration in all aspects of trade and technology, like semiconductors, quantum computing, AI, green energy and supply chains. The EU has only two such TTCs, one with the USA and the other with India.

8.  We appreciate the EU’s ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’. A number of pathways mentioned in the strategic agenda are already under discussions, including finalizing the India-EU FTA as well as concluding a Security and Defence Partnership.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends,

9.  Let me conclude by underscoring that the strategic convergences of the interests, abilities, and aspirations of India and the EU have the potential to define the 21^st Century. In this journey Republic of Cyprus is a close friend and trusted partner for India, and of course, a key partner in the fight against cross border terrorism.

10.  Now I invite H.E. Foreign Minister of Cyprus to deliver the 55^th Sapru House Lecture on “Cyprus and the World” by.

       Thank you!