New Delhi, May 22: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides met in New Delhi on Friday to discuss the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). They acknowledged the initiative’s potential to reshape and enhance global trade, connectivity, and prosperity.
During a special briefing on President Christodoulides’ ongoing state visit to India, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, highlighted connectivity as a “crucial aspect” of India’s engagement with the European Union (EU) and Cyprus. He mentioned that both nations have initiated a bilateral connectivity dialogue.
When asked about the discussions between PM Modi and President Christodoulides regarding IMEC, George stated, “This was discussed. IMEC is a vital project for us. Both leaders recognized its ability to reshape and promote global trade, connectivity, and prosperity. They reiterated their shared commitment to enhancing stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East, emphasizing the importance of promoting deep connections and interlinkages from India through the larger Middle East to Europe.”
He further added, “They discussed initiating a bilateral connectivity dialogue. Therefore, connectivity is a crucial aspect of our engagement with the European Union, Cyprus, and countries in this region. Thus, discussions on IMEC were held, and it is essential that we have initiated a bilateral connectivity dialogue in this regard. Therefore, discussions will continue.”
During the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in New Delhi in 2023, leaders from India, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States signed an MoU pledging to work together to develop IMEC.
IMEC will feature two distinct corridors: the Eastern Corridor will connect India to the Gulf, while the Northern Corridor will link the Gulf to Europe. The aim of this corridor is to enhance connectivity, increase efficiency, reduce costs, secure regional supply chains, improve trade accessibility, and create jobs; this will lead to transformative integration across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
During the special briefing, George described President Christodoulides’ visit to India as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Emphasizing the close ties between India and Cyprus, he noted that both countries will celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 with various activities in both nations.
He stated, “This visit marks a crucial juncture in India-Cyprus relations as both leaders have decided to elevate mutual ties to the level of strategic partnership. Following the discussions, both sides exchanged several government MoUs and agreements signed during the visit.”
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