India and Cyprus Strengthen Naval Cooperation with Focus on Maritime Security and Joint Training

India and Cyprus have taken another step towards strengthening bilateral defence relations, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh holding discussions with Cyprus Naval Command officials at Mari Naval Base on October 13, 2026. The engagement focused on expanding naval cooperation, maritime security, joint training, search and rescue operations, and professional exchanges between the two countries.

The discussions formed part of the Defence Secretary’s official visit to Cyprus from October 12 to 13, aimed at strengthening the India–Cyprus Strategic Partnership, particularly in the maritime domain.

India and Cyprus Discuss Expanded Navy-to-Navy Cooperation

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led an Indian defence delegation to Mari Naval Base, where he held discussions with Commodore Nicolaos Luca, Commander of the Cyprus Naval Command. India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, accompanied the delegation.

The discussions covered exchanges between naval leadership, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue coordination, joint training, professional exchanges and port calls by Indian naval vessels.

During the visit, the Indian delegation interacted with Cypriot naval officers and crew members and received a briefing from the Cyprus Naval Command. According to the High Commission of India in Cyprus, the onboard engagement provided an operational perspective on opportunities for closer maritime security cooperation.

Maritime Security Becomes a Key Area of Bilateral Cooperation

Maritime security has emerged as an important component of the growing India–Cyprus defence relationship. Cyprus occupies a strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean, while India maintains an extensive maritime presence across the Indian Ocean and major international shipping routes.

Closer naval engagement will provide opportunities for both countries to exchange operational experience, improve maritime domain awareness and strengthen coordination in search and rescue activities.

Professional exchanges and joint training can also support cooperation between naval personnel, while visits by Indian naval vessels will provide opportunities for direct interaction with the Cyprus Naval Command.

Defence Secretary’s Visit Builds on India–Cyprus Strategic Partnership

The naval discussions follow the strengthening of bilateral relations during Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ state visit to India in May 2026, when the two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

During the visit, India and Cyprus welcomed the Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation for 2026–2031, establishing a framework for deeper engagement between their defence establishments.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence industries, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and maritime security.

The Ministry of Defence, in its October 10 announcement, identified maritime security and defence industrial cooperation as major priorities of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to Cyprus and Greece.

India Pays Tribute to Cypriot Military Personnel

During his visit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also laid a wreath at the Makedonitissa Military Cemetery in Nicosia and signed the visitors’ book.

The ceremony honoured Greek and Cypriot military personnel who lost their lives during the defence of Cyprus in 1974. The tribute formed part of the Defence Secretary’s official engagements and reflected the longstanding diplomatic relationship between India and Cyprus.

India and Cyprus Advance Maritime Defence Partnership

The discussions at Mari Naval Base represent further progress in translating the India–Cyprus Strategic Partnership into practical defence cooperation.

With naval exchanges, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue coordination, joint training and port visits identified as areas of cooperation, both countries are strengthening the foundation for sustained engagement between their naval forces.

The growing maritime partnership will support closer defence relations between India and Cyprus while strengthening India’s strategic engagement with the Eastern Mediterranean and European partners.

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References

1. Ministry of Defence, Government of India — Defence Secretary to Visit Cyprus and Greece from 12–15 October 2026. Press Information Bureau, October 10, 2026.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2321726
2. High Commission of India, Nicosia, Cyprus — Official communication concerning the Indian defence delegation’s visit to Mari Naval Base, October 13, 2026.
   https://www.hcinicosia.gov.in/
3. News on AIR — India and Cyprus Focus on Navy-to-Navy Engagement, October 13, 2026.
   https://newsonair.gov.in/india-and-cyprus-focus-on-navy-to-navy-engagement/
4. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India — Joint Statement on the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, May 22, 2026.
   https://www.mea.gov.in/

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