India and Cyprus Strengthen Maritime Security Ties with Training Assistance

India and Cyprus Strengthen Maritime Security Ties with Training Assistance\n\nIn a significant move to boost maritime security and defence cooperation, India has offered training assistance to the Cypriot Navy. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Cypriot Naval Commander Commodore Nicolaos Luca at the Mari Naval Base in Cyprus to discuss strengthened maritime and security cooperation.\n\nDuring the meeting, India offered support to the Cypriot Navy in training, capacity building, and technical assistance to enhance maritime security. This move aims to deepen bilateral engagement in the maritime domain and strengthen maritime security and defence cooperation between India and Cyprus.\n\nThe offer was made during an official visit by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to Cyprus from October 12-13. The visit is expected to underscore the shared commitment to deepening and expanding bilateral engagement, particularly in the maritime domain.\n\nFollowing the visit of the President of Cyprus to India in May 2026, the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership has gained further momentum. Defence Secretary’s visit is expected to further strengthen and expand the defence and strategic partnership between India and Cyprus with special emphasis on maritime security and defence industrial cooperation.\n\nDefence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also met with the Political Director at Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Salina Sambos, and held discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues. Both sides reiterated the desire to further strengthen and expand the defence and strategic partnership between India and Cyprus with special emphasis on maritime security and defence industrial cooperation.\n\nThe Defence Secretary also held a meeting with Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Khassim Diagne and Force Commander Major General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam in Nicosia on Monday, with discussions held on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) mandate, India’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, and continued support for the mission’s work in Cyprus.\n\nAfter concluding his engagements in Cyprus, Rajesh Kumar Singh will travel to Greece for an official visit. He will interact with the senior defence and military leadership of Greece.\n\nIndia’s offer of training assistance to the Cypriot Navy is a significant development in the strengthening of maritime security and defence cooperation between the two countries. This move is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Cypriot Navy and deepen bilateral engagement in the maritime domain.\n\nIn conclusion, India and Cyprus are strengthening their maritime security ties with training assistance, marking a significant development in their defence and strategic partnership. This move is expected to have a positive impact on maritime security and defence cooperation between the two countries, and will likely enhance the capabilities of the Cypriot Navy.