At a reception hosted by the High Commission of Cyprus in India on 2 February 2026 in New Delhi, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, underscored the growing strategic convergence between India and the European Union as Cyprus formally assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Addressing diplomats, policymakers, and media, the Minister described the occasion as both timely and significant.
Shri Singh noted that Cyprus takes over the EU Presidency at a moment of considerable transition for Europe, coinciding with a phase of deepening India–EU engagement. He welcomed Cyprus’s decision to foreground strategic autonomy as the unifying theme of its Presidency, observing that the concept resonates strongly with India’s own emphasis on self-reliance and resilient global engagement.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to its European partners, the Minister described the European Union as a key strategic partner and characterised the India–EU relationship as “an anchor of stability and a force for global growth.” He highlighted the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation, which now spans strategic and critical technologies, green energy, digital governance, development partnerships, defence and security, as well as skills and mobility.
A major highlight of the past year, Shri Singh noted, was the historic participation of the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission as Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations—a first in the history of India–EU relations. The India–EU Summit held on 27 January further provided an opportunity to review progress, set fresh ambitions, and align priorities in areas such as industrial transformation, clean energy, connectivity, and critical technologies. The Minister also pointed to the growing relevance of the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership, particularly in strengthening cooperation on maritime security and cyber security.
Turning to economic ties, Shri Singh described the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement as a landmark achievement. Calling it “the largest trade agreement ever concluded by India,” he said it reflects a shared commitment to economic resilience, diversified supply chains, and expanded opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation. With bilateral trade currently standing at approximately €150 billion, he noted, the agreement unlocks substantial untapped potential on both sides.
The Minister also highlighted the people-to-people dimension of India–EU relations, noting that more than 800,000 Indians live and work across EU countries, contributing meaningfully to their host societies. He observed growing convergence in connectivity and maritime cooperation, citing the EU’s participation in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, its role as a dialogue partner in the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and the shared strategic importance of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor.
Within this evolving landscape, Shri Singh emphasised the particular significance of Cyprus’s EU Presidency. As a Mediterranean nation with deep historical linkages across regions, Cyprus brings a perspective closely aligned with India’s outlook on connectivity, maritime cooperation, and regional engagement. “We believe that Cyprus’s stewardship can help advance dialogue within Europe and with its wider neighbourhoods, including the Indo-Pacific region,” he remarked.
Reflecting on bilateral ties between India and Cyprus, the Minister noted their long-standing and friendly character, which has gained renewed momentum in recent years. The historic visit of the Prime Minister of India to Cyprus last year, he said, has imparted fresh impetus to the relationship and reaffirmed the importance India attaches to Cyprus within the broader EU framework. Cyprus’s position as a financial and services hub, combined with India’s robust growth trajectory and vibrant innovation ecosystem, offers promising avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation. He further underlined shared commitments to dialogue, multilateralism, and respect for international law.
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