India and Cyprus have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation with the first meeting of the India-Cyprus Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) held in Limassol on September 29.
The meeting, convened under the 2017 India-Cyprus Agreement on Merchant Shipping, was co-chaired by Venkatesapathy S., Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India, and Theodoulos Mesimeris, Acting Permanent Secretary, Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus.
The Indian delegation, which included High Commissioner of India to Cyprus Manish, officials from the High Commission in Nicosia and Deependra Singh Bisena, Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Maritime Administration, held a series of engagements with Cypriot government authorities and maritime industry stakeholders during a four-day visit from September 28 to October 1.
Discussions focused on maritime education and training, investment opportunities, exchange of policies and best practices, and cooperation on matters of mutual interest at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The delegation also engaged with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, leading maritime companies, Cyprus Ports Authority, and Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, besides visiting the Port of Limassol.
Key areas identified for enhanced cooperation included maritime services, shipping finance, ship repair and recycling, seafarer training and welfare, and green shipping.
The two sides also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming visit of the Cypriot Shipping Deputy Minister to India, accompanied by a high-level trade delegation. The visit is expected to coincide with a Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai in November 2026, aimed at promoting joint ventures, business partnerships and investment opportunities in the maritime sector.
The first JMC meeting forms part of the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan and reflects the shared commitment of the leadership of both countries to further deepen bilateral maritime and economic cooperation.
The development marks a new chapter in India-Cyprus maritime relations, with both countries seeking to expand collaboration across shipping, maritime services, investment, skills development and the transition towards greener shipping.