Modi's Cyprus visit: PM sells India's growth story; talks focus on infra, fintech, and strategic trade, ET Infra
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday held a high-level roundtable with business leaders in Limassol, with discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in fintech, infrastructure, urban mobility and strategic trade.The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders across banking, manufacturing, defence, logistics, maritime, technology, and tourism. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's transformation into one of the fastest-growing major economies, attributing it to regulatory reforms, political stability, and a strong emphasis on ease of doing business. He invited Cypriot firms to tap into opportunities in India's growing infrastructure sectors such as civil aviation, shipbuilding, renewable energy, and digital payments.To bolster financial and urban connectivity, the two countries announced deeper collaboration between their capital markets through a memorandum of understanding between NSE International Exchange at GIFT City and the Cyprus Stock Exchange. In addition, NPCI International Payments Ltd and Eurobank Cyprus have agreed to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based cross-border transactions, aimed at easing payments for businesses and tourists alike.The leaders also launched the India–Greece–Cyprus Business and Investment Council to promote trilateral cooperation in logistics, shipping, digital services, and civil aviation. Prime Minister Modi noted that Cyprus serves as a strategic hub for Indian businesses seeking access to the European Union, especially in IT, financial services, and infrastructure development.With Cyprus set to assume the Presidency of the EU Council in 2026, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to finalising the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. The roundtable concluded with an emphasis on building a structured economic roadmap focused on sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and long-term strategic alignment.
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