The working visit of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, to India from 20 to 23 May carries a strong business and investment focus. He will be accompanied by a delegation of business leaders and representatives of Cyprus’ business community, with the notable absence of the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. The mission includes visits to New Delhi and Mumbai, India’s main business hub.
As the Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), Philokypros Rousounidis, told Politis, the business mission to India is “the largest organised for this market in decades.”
It is noted that OEB was not invited to participate. The federation’s president, Giorgos Pantelides, had recently expressed strong dissatisfaction with its exclusion from international government business missions during the organisation’s 65th annual general meeting.
“The presidential business mission to India is a historic and strategically important initiative for strengthening economic and trade relations between Cyprus and India,” Rousounidis said.
200 Indian business participants
More than 45 Cypriot companies are actively participating in the mission, while over 200 Indian entrepreneurs and company representatives from a wide range of sectors are expected to attend the business forum.
At the same time, around 250 targeted business meetings (B2B meetings) have already been scheduled, demonstrating strong interest in cooperation, investment and joint business development between the two countries.
According to Rousounidis, the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), in the presence of the President of the Republic, is also of particular importance, as they are expected to strengthen the institutional and business framework for cooperation between Cyprus and India in areas of strategic interest.
“India is one of the fastest‑growing economies globally, and Cyprus can play a substantial role as a reliable European gateway for Indian businesses and investments into the European Union and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region,” he stressed.
Discussion with Indian investors
The CEO of Invest Cyprus, Marios Tannousis, told Politis that, as part of the mission, a round‑table discussion will be organised exclusively for Indian investors, major companies and business groups interested in investing in Cyprus in sectors such as technology, logistics, research and innovation, energy, security and defence.
At the same time, he noted that there is interest in establishing European headquarters in Cyprus by Indian investors, stressing that Cyprus represents an ideal entry point for Indian companies into Europe.
“The signals we are receiving are positive, and we hope they will translate into tangible results,” he said.
“Over the past three years, significant work has been done in attracting investment, and these efforts are beginning to deliver results,” he added. In particular for India, he noted that the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cyprus has provided new momentum and impetus.
Focus on IMEC
The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is expected to be a central topic during the President’s meetings, as recently indicated by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. He stated that the Republic of Cyprus aims to play a role as both an entry and exit gateway, not only geographically but also diplomatically and politically.
Eurobank office inauguration
It is also noted that, during the contacts in India, the official inauguration and launch of Eurobank’s representative office in Mumbai will take place on Thursday, in the presence of the bank’s leadership.
Among those attending will be Eurobank Group CEO Fokion Karavias, Deputy CEO and Group Chief Operating Officer Stavros Ioannou, and CEO of Eurobank Limited Michalis Louis.
