India to Strengthen Maritime Security and Defence Industrial Cooperation with Cyprus and Greece

India is set to deepen its defence and strategic engagement with two important European partners as Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh undertakes an official visit to Cyprus and Greece from October 12 to 15, 2026. The four-day visit will focus on maritime security, defence industrial cooperation and strengthening institutional partnerships with both countries.

The Ministry of Defence announced the visit on October 10, highlighting India’s growing engagement with European nations in defence and security. The discussions will build on recent high-level diplomatic exchanges and the India-European Union Security and Defence Partnership signed earlier this year.

India and Cyprus to Expand Maritime and Defence Cooperation

During the first leg of his visit, from October 12 to 13, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will meet senior officials of the Cypriot Ministry of Defence and call on the country’s political leadership. Discussions will focus on expanding bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security and related strategic areas.

The visit follows Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ state visit to India in May 2026, when both countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The two governments also agreed on a Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for 2026–2031, establishing a framework for sustained engagement between their defence establishments.

India and Cyprus have already taken steps to strengthen defence industrial cooperation, technology partnerships and maritime coordination. Their bilateral initiatives include a defence cooperation programme, arrangements for search-and-rescue coordination and closer collaboration between defence industries. The upcoming discussions will provide an opportunity to advance these commitments through institutional engagement.

India-Greece Defence Partnership Gains Momentum

In the second leg of his visit, the Defence Secretary will hold discussions with senior defence and military leaders of Greece. The meetings will build on expanding bilateral cooperation in military engagement, defence manufacturing and maritime security.

The visit follows Greek Minister of National Defence Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias’ visit to New Delhi on February 9, 2026, when he held bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During those discussions, India and Greece signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Defence Industrial Cooperation and exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026.

The two countries also agreed to explore closer cooperation between India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and Greece’s defence modernisation programme, known as Agenda 2030. Their discussions included opportunities to strengthen industrial capabilities and develop a five-year roadmap for defence industry collaboration.

Maritime cooperation has emerged as another area of convergence. During the February meeting, Greece announced plans to position an international liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram. The initiative supports greater maritime information-sharing and coordination between the two countries.

Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Security Becomes an Important Area of Engagement

Cyprus and Greece occupy strategically important positions in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region connected to major international shipping routes and European maritime trade networks. Their geographical location makes both countries relevant partners for India’s expanding maritime security engagement beyond the Indian Ocean.

India’s discussions with the two Mediterranean nations will provide opportunities to exchange perspectives on maritime security, regional developments and cooperation between defence establishments. Such engagement complements India’s broader efforts to strengthen partnerships with countries that share an interest in secure sea lanes and stable international maritime connectivity.

For India, closer relations with Cyprus and Greece also create opportunities to expand defence industry contacts in European markets. Existing bilateral agreements provide a foundation for exploring cooperation in manufacturing, technology and professional exchanges without limiting engagement to traditional defence diplomacy.

India-EU Security and Defence Partnership Provides a Wider Framework

The Defence Secretary’s visit comes after India and the European Union signed their Security and Defence Partnership on January 27, 2026, during the India-EU Summit in New Delhi. The agreement established a broader institutional framework for cooperation on maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, emerging technologies, space security and defence-related issues.

The partnership also provides for structured security dialogue and closer engagement between Indian and European defence industries. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in response to evolving security challenges and protecting critical infrastructure and international connectivity.

As members of the European Union, Cyprus and Greece occupy important positions in India’s expanding defence engagement with Europe. Strengthening bilateral cooperation with both countries can complement the wider India-EU framework while creating additional opportunities for practical collaboration in maritime and industrial sectors.

India Expands Its Defence Partnerships Across Europe

The October 12–15 visit reflects India’s continuing efforts to develop stronger defence relationships with European partners through regular high-level dialogue and institutional cooperation. It also demonstrates the increasing importance of maritime security and defence industrial collaboration in India’s international strategic engagements.

By building on existing agreements with Cyprus and Greece, India is advancing a broader network of defence partnerships that connects the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean and Europe. The visit marks another step towards strengthening India’s maritime partnerships, expanding opportunities for indigenous defence industries and reinforcing its role as a trusted security partner in international cooperation.

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References

1. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence — Defence Secretary to Visit Cyprus and Greece from 12–15 October 2026, October 10, 2026. Official press release text.
2. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence — Raksha Mantri Holds Bilateral Talks with Minister of National Defence of Hellenic Republic in New Delhi, February 9, 2026.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2225523
3. Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India — Joint Statement on the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, May 22, 2026.
   https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/joint-statement-on-the-state-visit-of-the-president-of-the-republic-of-cyprus/
4. Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India — List of Outcomes: State Visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, May 2026.
   https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/list-of-outcomes-state-visit-of-president-of-the-republic-of-cyprus-h-e-mr-nikos-christodoulides-to-india/
5. Council of the European Union — EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, January 27, 2026.
   https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/security-defence-partnerships/timeline-security-defence-partnerships/

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