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Vivek Sharma, New Delhi, February 3, 2026: The High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus hosted a reception in New Delhi on Monday to mark the commencement of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event, held at the Royal Ballroom of The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, policymakers, and distinguished guests.
Union
Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh graced the
occasion as the Chief Guest, while High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus
to India, H.E. Evagoras Vryonides, delivered the welcome address.
Addressing
the gathering, Dr. Vryonides expressed enthusiasm over Cyprus assuming the EU
Council Presidency and outlined the key priorities of its term. He stated that
Cyprus aims to promote an autonomous and outward-looking European Union, with a
strong focus on economic growth, employment generation, defense cooperation,
innovation, and strengthened transatlantic ties.
The
High Commissioner also highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between India
and Cyprus, tracing it back to their shared association with the Non-Aligned
Movement. He noted that bilateral relations have gained fresh momentum
following recent engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the
Cypriot leadership. Emphasizing future cooperation, he pointed to sectors such
as trade, tourism, defense, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Sharing
details of upcoming engagements, Dr. Vryonides said several high-level visits
from Cyprus to India are scheduled in the coming months. These include the
Deputy Minister’s participation in the AI Summit, the Foreign Minister’s visit
for the Raisina Dialogue, and the President of Cyprus’s official visit to India
in May 2026.
In
his address, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh congratulated Cyprus on assuming the EU
Council Presidency and described the moment as significant for India–EU
relations. Drawing parallels between Cyprus’s emphasis on “Autonomy” and
India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he underlined the growing convergence
between India and the European Union.
Referring
to the recent India–EU Summit, the Minister highlighted cooperation in digital
transformation, clean and green energy, security and defense, resilient supply
chains, and innovation. He also mentioned ongoing negotiations toward an
India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
Describing
the India–EU partnership as an “anchor of stability and a force for global
good,” Shri Singh stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in
addressing global challenges.
The
reception concluded with informal interactions among diplomats and guests,
reaffirming the strong diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between India,
Cyprus, and the European Union.
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