India and Cyprus recently held their inaugural meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) in Limassol, marking a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations. Co-chaired by Venkatesapathy S, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Theodoulos Mesimeris, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus, the meeting took place on September 29 under the 2017 bilateral Agreement on Merchant Shipping. This gathering is seen as a new chapter in maritime cooperation between the two nations.
The Indian delegation, which included the High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, and other officials, engaged with Cypriot authorities and industry leaders during a four-day visit from September 28 to October 1. Discussions focused on various topics, including maritime education and training, investment opportunities, policy exchanges, and collaboration on shared interests within the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
To further strengthen ties, the delegation held structured meetings with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, leading maritime companies, the Cyprus Ports Authority, and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, including a site visit to the Port of Limassol. They explored opportunities in maritime services, shipping finance, ship repair, seafarer training, and green shipping initiatives.
Looking ahead, both nations reviewed logistical plans for the upcoming visit of the Cypriot Shipping Deputy Minister to India, along with a high-level trade delegation, in preparation for a Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai scheduled for November 2026. This meeting is part of the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and underscores the growing diplomatic and economic dialogue between the two countries.
