NICOSIA: India and Cyprus have discussed ways to strengthen naval cooperation, maritime security and professional exchanges during an official visit by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to the Mediterranean country.
The discussions took place during a visit to Mari Naval Base, where the Indian delegation met Commodore Nicolaos Luca, Commander of the Cyprus Naval Command. India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, accompanied the delegation.
The talks covered exchanges between naval leadership, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue coordination, joint training, professional exchanges and port calls by Indian naval vessels.
These areas of cooperation are important for improving communication between maritime forces, sharing operational experience and strengthening coordination in the event of emergencies at sea. Maritime domain awareness also helps countries develop a clearer understanding of activities in surrounding waters.
During the visit, the Indian delegation received a briefing from the Cyprus Naval Command and interacted with officers and crew at the naval base. The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss operational perspectives on maritime security and identify areas for closer professional cooperation.
Singh also laid a wreath at the Makedonitissa Military Cemetery in Nicosia and signed the visitors’ book, paying tribute to Greek and Cypriot servicemen who lost their lives in the defence of Cyprus in 1974.
The Defence Secretary’s official visit to Cyprus on October 12 and 13 included meetings with counterparts in the Cypriot Ministry of Defence and engagements with the country’s leadership.
India and Cyprus have been working to expand their strategic partnership, with defence and maritime cooperation forming important parts of their engagement. The visit follows the strengthening of bilateral ties after the President of Cyprus visited India in May 2026.
India’s wider engagement with European partners includes cooperation on maritime security, defence technology and professional exchanges. Such partnerships also support broader discussions on regional stability and security.
The latest engagement underlines the importance both countries place on regular institutional contact and practical cooperation between their defence establishments.
