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Nikos Christodoulides arrived in India on Wednesday for an official state visit aimed at strengthening economic and political ties between Cyprus and one of the world’s fastest-growing global powers.
The Cypriot president was welcomed with a red carpet upon landing in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, before taking part in a traditional greeting ceremony at the historic Taj Mahal Palace hotel. In a gesture that did not go unnoticed, Christodoulides also wore a traditional Indian-style vest as part of the country’s welcoming customs.
The visit blends diplomacy with business and comes as Cyprus looks to position itself as a gateway between India and Europe, particularly in areas such as technology, shipping, finance and investment.
But before the business meetings begin, the president is also expected to take part in a more emotional moment.
Christodoulides will pay tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks by laying a wreath and observing a minute of silence at the memorial for the attack on the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The hotel was one of several locations targeted during the deadly attacks carried out by armed militants over three days in November 2008.
Among those killed was Cypriot businessman Andreas Liveras.
During his stay in Mumbai, Christodoulides will address the Cyprus-India Business Forum, meet Indian business leaders and investors, attend the opening of Eurobank representative offices and visit the National Stock Exchange of India.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the visit is aimed at boosting cooperation in key sectors including the economy, innovation, shipping and technology, while promoting Cyprus as a stable European partner for Indian businesses looking toward Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
After Mumbai, the president and his delegation will travel to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and later Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official dinner in his honor.
