India Cyprus inks four agreements
India and Cyprus have signed four agreements following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in New Delhi. The two sides discussed various bilateral and regional issues and agreed on the need on the part of all countries to act decisively against those countries that shelter and sustain violence factories in their regions. The two sides also called for the need for early reforms of the United Nations Security Council. Cyprus reiterated its support to India’s bid for inclusion a permanent member in the UNSC.
Cyprus will also award its highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III, on President Pranab Mukherjee.
Agreements
Both the countries signed:
- An executive programme on culture, education and scientific cooperation for the years 2017 to 2020.
- A work plan under a programme of cooperation in agriculture for the period 2017-2018.
- Agreement on cooperation in the area of merchant shipping.
- Agreement to boost air services between the two countries.
India-Cyprus ties
Cyprus is the eighth largest foreign investor in India with a cumulative foreign direct investment of about $9 billion in areas such as financial leasing, stock exchange, auto manufacture, manufacturing industries, real estate, cargo handling, construction, shipping and logistics. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between both the countries was revised in 2016.
Diplomatic ties between India and Cyprus were established in 1962. Cyprus got the support of India during its struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Bilateral trade between both the countries stood at EUR 76.5 million in 2015. The major commodities exported by India to Cyprus are organic chemicals, vehicles & accessories and iron & steel. India’s main imports are aluminium and its products, wood pulp, machinery, boilers, engines, and plastic.
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017