India and Cyprus vow to bolster defence, maritime security ties

India and Cyprus on Monday agreed on measures to ramp up cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, and counter-terrorism as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.

- Rezaul H Laskar

NEW DELHI:

Modi's visit to Cyprus on his way to the G7 Summit in Canada was seen as a message to Turkey, which backed Pakistan in last month's clashes with India. Turkey is the only country to recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, comprising a third of the Mediterranean island seized by Turkish forces in 1974, while India maintains ties with the Republic of Cyprus.

Christodoulides and Modi, the first Indian premier to visit Cyprus in 23 years, visited the Green Line, the de facto border between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, marked by concrete-filled oil drums. Later, standing on a balcony, Christodoulides pointed out Northern Cyprus, with its flag inspired by the flag of Turkey painted on a hillside.

Earlier, during their talks, Modi and Christodoulides focused on ways to strengthen ties between the two sides, including enhanced cooperation in defence, security, trade, technology, renewable energy, connectivity and tourism.