Continued from P1

The two leaders also deliberated on the West Asia crisis as well as the Ukraine conflict, with PM Modi saying New Delhi supports all efforts for an early end to the hostilities. “Over the past decade, investment from Cyprus to India has nearly doubled. Trust between the two countries has increased, and with the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, numerous new possibilities have emerged,” Modi said in his media statement. Taking advantage of this, we are targeting to double this investment again in the next five years, he said. “And to realise this resolve, today we are elevating our trusted relationship to a strategic partnership,” he added.

The prime minister also noted that the friendship between India and Cyprus is both “strong and futuristic” as he elaborated on various aspects of his talks with Christodoulides. “We also discussed global issues. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for the early end of the conflict and for peace,” Modi said. “We are also unanimous on the view that reform of global institutions is urgent and important for resolving the growing global challenges,” he said.