Cyprus and India Deepen Defence Ties through Joint Maritime Committee

Strengthening Defence Ties: India and Cyprus Launch Joint Maritime Committee

The High Commission of India in Cyprus recently announced that the country's High Commissioner, Manish, met with Spyros Miltiades, Diplomatic Advisor to the Minister of Defence of Cyprus, to discuss advancing defence cooperation under the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership. This meeting marked a significant step in strengthening the defence ties between the two nations.

The High Commission stated that the two officials exchanged views on taking forward the Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation 2026-31, which includes training and capacity building, defence industry partnerships, maritime security and search and rescue, and cooperation in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Both sides emphasized the importance of regular engagement and practical follow-up to strengthen the growing defence partnership.

This meeting was part of the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC), which was held in Limassol, Cyprus, on September 29. The JMC was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Venkatesapathy S, and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus, Theodoulos Mesimeris.

The JMC meeting was a new chapter in India-Cyprus maritime cooperation, as stated by the High Commission. The meeting covered maritime education and training, investment opportunities in both sectors, the exchange of policies and strategies as best practices, and cooperation on matters of mutual interest at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The Indian delegation, led by the High Commissioner, also met with Cypriot maritime authorities and industry from September 28 to October 1. The delegation included Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Deependra Singh Bisen. The talks covered maritime services, shipping finance, ship repair and recycling, seafarer training and welfare, and green shipping.

Preparations were discussed for the forthcoming visit of the Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus to India with a maritime business delegation, and for a Maritime Business Forum planned in Mumbai in November 2026 to explore business partnerships and investment.

The meeting forms part of the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan and reflects the shared commitment of Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and H.E. President Mr Nikos Christodoulides to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The launch of the Joint Maritime Committee marks a significant milestone in the defence cooperation between India and Cyprus. The committee will play a crucial role in strengthening the defence ties between the two nations and promoting maritime cooperation.

In conclusion, the meeting between High Commissioner Manish and Spyros Miltiades has paved the way for a stronger defence partnership between India and Cyprus, and the launch of the Joint Maritime Committee is a significant step in this direction.

The two nations are expected to continue their efforts to deepen their defence ties and promote maritime cooperation, which will have a positive impact on the region and beyond.