India, Cyprus 'unequivocally' condemn terrorism; agree to deepen defence, security cooperation
Cyprus
on Monday extended "unwavering support" to
India
in its fight against cross-border terrorism as the two countries "unequivocally" condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism.
A joint declaration issued after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the two sides "reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability".
"Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India," the declaration said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
"They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, rejecting any justification for such acts, under any circumstances. They emphasized that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable," it added.
Terrorists killed 26 civilians in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.
Live Events
"Cyprus and India unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability," the joint declaration said.
It said the two leaders urged all States to respect the sovereignty of other nations and condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms.
"They called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks, elimination of safe havens, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly," it added.
Emphasising the need for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained approach to combatting terrorism across borders, the two leaders underscored the importance of working collaboratively, bilaterally and with the multilateral system, the declaration said.
Modi reached Cyprus on Sunday on the first leg of his three-nation tour.
This is his first foreign visit since India carried out
Operation Sindoor
under which the Indian armed forces carried out strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack.
"Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral efforts to combat terrorism and called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework," the declaration said.
It said that they urged for concerted actions against all UN- and EU-designated terrorists and terrorist entities, associated proxy groups, facilitators, and sponsors, including terrorists under the 1267
UNSC Sanctions Committee
.
They reiterated their strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt terrorist financing channels including through the UN and Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the statement said.
The two leaders stressed the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy, defence readiness, and defence capabilities in the wake of emerging challenges within the international security environment.
"They agreed to deepen their defence and security cooperation, including through collaboration between their respective defence industries, with a special focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies," it said.
Cyprus and India "expressed their strong commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant
UN Security Council Resolutions
," the joint declaration said.
"India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, both sides emphasized the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations," it added.
While recognising Cyprus' role as a gateway into Europe and, in this context, its prospect to serve as a regional hub for transhipment, storage, distribution, and logistics, they welcomed the prospect of Indian shipping companies establishing a presence in Cyprus.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation to include the maritime domain and committed to strengthening collaboration in emergency preparedness and coordinated crisis response, it added.
In light of ongoing global crises, both sides committed to strengthening cooperation in emergency preparedness and coordinated crisis response.
Drawing on past successful efforts, the leaders agreed to institutionalise coordination in evacuation and
Search and Rescue
(SAR) operations.
Modi's visit to Cyprus is the first by an Indian prime minister in over two decades. His visit marks a historic milestone and reaffirms the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations, it added.
Noting that Cyprus and India share a strategic vision of serving as bridges between regions, both leaders underscored the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as a transformative, multi-nodal initiative that fosters peace, economic integration, and sustainable development.
Looking ahead to Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening EU-India relations.
Cyprus pledged to work towards the advancement of the EU-India strategic partnership during the Presidency, the declaration said.
Both sides expressed readiness to support the conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year recognising its significant economic and strategic potential, it added.
Recognising the growing strategic complementarity between Cyprus and India, the leaders committed to expanding economic ties through increased trade, investment, and collaboration in science, innovation, and research, it said.
Both leaders agreed to promote collaboration in research, innovation, and technology, fostering stronger ties between startups, academic institutions, and industry, and supporting innovation exchanges in key sectors like artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and research, with a view to concluding a related MoU.
The two leaders recognised people-to-people ties as a strategic asset and multiplier for deepening economic and cultural ties. The two sides will work to finalise a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025, it said.
They agreed to explore opportunities for enhancing tourism and the establishment of direct air connectivity between Cyprus and India, as well as enhanced air routes via shared partners, to improve ease of travel and boost bilateral exchanges, the declaration added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Opening of Galwan Valley for tourists on 5th anniversary of India-China troops clash delayed
Galwan Memorial (Photo: ANI) SRINAGAR: Plans to open Galwan Valley hot springs in Ladakh for tourists on the fifth anniversary of the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops have been delayed, as construction of the war memorial needs further work. 'We have deferred the official opening of the Galwan Valley until the memorial is completed in perfection, as that will be the main attraction. It is about to be completed, but needs a finishing touch,' Tashi Gyalson, chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), told TOI. Gyalson said LAHDC was also working on amending permit regulations to allow visitors without special permission. 'It is just a matter of a few days before Galwan Valley is opened to tourists,' he said. The Ladakh administration, in collaboration with the Indian Army, is at present working to build supporting infrastructure in the area. The Galwan Valley hot springs near the Line of Actual Control were set to open on June 15 as part of a battlefield tourism initiative. The date was meant to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2020 clash between Indian and PLA troops. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Twenty Indian soldiers, including a commanding officer, and an unspecified number of PLA men were killed in the hand-to-hand combat, which was one of the most serious military confrontations between the two countries in decades. Meanwhile, the Army on Monday paid tribute to soldiers who died in the Galwan clash with China. In a post on X, Ladakh based Fire and Fury Corps 'paid heartfelt tribute to the valour and supreme sacrifice of our bravehearts who stood resolute in the face of adversity'. 'The indomitable courage in Galwan Valley forever resonates in the hearts of every Indian. Nation honours their families with deep respect. Their sacrifice continues to inspire generations,' it added.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
How to become global leaders? Rishi Sunak-Akshata Murty share their mantra as couple returns to Stanford 19 years later
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty returned to Stanford Graduate School of Business 19 years after meeting there as students, this time to deliver a joint commencement address. Drawing from their personal and professional journeys—from Stanford to Downing Street—they shared three key leadership lessons: balancing data with intuition, combining idealism with practical action, and focusing on purpose over outcomes, inspired by the idea of dharma. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Lesson One: Balancing Data with Instinct Lesson Two: Marrying Idealism with Pragmatism Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Lesson Three: Leading Without Attachment to Outcomes A Call to Future Leaders Nearly two decades after they first met at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty returned to deliver a joint commencement address—marking a rare moment in the school's history. The couple, now at the intersection of politics, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, used the platform not only to reflect on their journey but to offer candid lessons on leadership drawn from their personal and professional Sunak, a former UK Chancellor and now the country's Prime Minister, began by acknowledging his deep-rooted belief in data and analysis—a trait that helped him navigate many high-pressure roles. He recalled how his understanding of statistical models, sharpened at Stanford, played a key role during the early days of the Omicron variant when he was tasked with making tough decisions about potential Sunak admitted that numbers alone weren't enough. He credited Akshata Murty with helping him see the limits of relying solely on spreadsheets. She encouraged him to value intuition and experience—especially in moments where data offered no clear answers. This combination, he said, allowed him to confidently push back against another lockdown, trusting not just models but also judgment shaped by values and Murty, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, spoke of her upbringing in India, where she was inspired to drive social change. At Stanford, her idealism often stood apart until she met Sunak, whose focus on implementation grounded her vision. She realized that transformation doesn't happen from dreams alone—it requires unglamorous, practical mindset shaped her initiatives like 'Lessons at 10,' a program to educate and inspire youth during their time at 10 Downing Street, and the 'Richmond Project,' which aims to build financial literacy among young people. Her message: lofty goals gain real-world impact only when tied to focused the couple emphasized a shared principle drawn from the Indian philosophy of dharma—doing one's duty without being attached to the result. They spoke about embracing this mindset during challenging times, including Sunak's initial defeat in his bid to lead the Conservative Party. That failure, though painful, allowed him to reconnect with his family before duty called again just weeks reminded him during that pivotal moment that stepping up was not about ambition but responsibility. That nudge helped Sunak return to Downing Street—not as a victor seeking reward, but as a leader answering a couple ended with a message to the Class of 2025: true leadership isn't defined by titles, but by learning from those around you. They urged graduates to seek out 'force multipliers'—people who challenge and sharpen one's thinking—and to respect the differences that shape stronger the first GSB couple to deliver a commencement address, and the first Stanford graduates to live at 10 Downing Street, Sunak and Murty expressed hope they won't be the last. 'The world needs leaders like you,' they told the graduates, urging them to go forward and shape a better future through wisdom, courage, and humility.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Our skies were filled with drones: Indian students in Tehran recall horror amid Israel-Iran conflict
As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, Indian students in Tehran recalled the initial hours of the conflict between Israel and Iran. Noting that around 140 Indian students were present at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences on the first day of military action by Israel, the students talked of the support provided by the senior officials of the varsity but also appealed for their evacuation in the wake of uncertainty over the situation amid rising tensions. Students spoke to are pursuing MBBS at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences and the Islamic Azad University and talked about their experience since the military action began. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Current Administration Approved the 2025 Food Card for Seniors HealthyWallet Learn More Undo "The condition was getting worse here every minute," one of the students recalled. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "On Friday dawn, at around 3:20 am, we heard a blast. It was a huge sound. When we looked out of our windows, there was black smoke and when we went downstairs, we heard more blasts," another student said. Live Events "After 2-3 hours, we heard boom of fighter jets. We have been really scared... Our skies were filled with the (Friday) evening to the next day's morning, we heard sounds continuously. There was a complete blackout and were sitting under the dormitory," the student added. The students said that they received support from the university authorities. "Our University (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) has been very helpful. As soon as the blasts happened, our Vice-Dean came to check upon us and calmed us. By the evening our Dean also arrived and assured us that nothing will happen. That was a very dangerous night which we faced. We don't have the heart the spend one more night here," a student said. The students, who come from different parts of India, have been pursuing their education for varied periods of time. The students said they have been in touch with the Indian Embassy and have been assured all support. The students said they want to be evacuated at the earliest. "We trust in India's power and really want to be evacuated," a student said. They recalled the government's efforts to bring back Indian students during Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Sunday, the Embassy of India in Iran issued several helpline numbers and created a Telegram Link for communication with Indian nationals currently in Iran. The Embassy shared details in a series of posts on X, saying that the Telegram link is "ONLY" for Indian nationals in Iran. "We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram Link to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram Link is ONLY for those Indian Nationals who are currently in Iran. it said on X. Asking the nationals not to give into panic, the Embassy asked people to exercise caution and remain in contact with the Embassy in Tehran. Tensions have been rising between Israel and Iran in West Asia. On June 13, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed " Operation Rising Lion ". Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the "Iranian threat to Israel's very survival" adding that the mission would continue "for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." In response, Iranian News Agency IRNA said the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), in response to the Israeli aggression, has launched a large-scale drone and missile operation 'Operation True Promise 3' targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. The strikes were conducted in direct retaliation against Israeli "aggression".
