Cyprus has expressed its ambition to become part of the next phase of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), positioning its maritime infrastructure, strategic location and specialised shipping services as key assets in strengthening trade connectivity between India and Europe.
Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said the island nation aims to play a greater role in connecting India with Europe, highlighting its established maritime ecosystem and extensive network of shipping and professional services.
Speaking ahead of a maritime business mission to India, Hadjimanolis said securing a place in the next stage of IMEC remains a key objective for Cyprus, particularly given the specialised capabilities of its maritime sector.
The initiative will gain momentum with the Cyprus–India Maritime Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Mumbai on November 23. The forum is expected to bring together around 25 Cypriot maritime companies and prospective Indian business partners to explore opportunities for investment, partnerships and commercial cooperation.
Hadjimanolis will lead the delegation alongside Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), and senior representatives from the Cypriot maritime industry. She said the mission is intended not merely to facilitate business-to-business connections but also to showcase Cyprus as a comprehensive international maritime and shipping services hub.
She highlighted Cyprus’s ability to respond quickly to changing business requirements, its mature professional services sector and its strategic position between Europe and the wider region as advantages for Indian companies seeking international expansion.
The business mission follows the first meeting of the Cyprus–India Joint Maritime Committee, held in Limassol on September 29. Discussions between officials and maritime industry representatives focused on maritime education and training, investment opportunities, technical cooperation and the implementation of the existing bilateral shipping agreement.
The India initiative is part of Cyprus’s broader efforts to strengthen its presence in Asian maritime markets. Hadjimanolis recently undertook a diplomatic and commercial visit to Japan, China and South Korea from October 13 to 29 to promote the Cyprus flag and explore new business opportunities.
She noted that approximately 80% of vessels sailing under the Cyprus flag were built primarily in China and Japan, underlining the importance of maintaining close relationships with Asian shipbuilders and maritime technology centres. The discussions during the Asian tour also covered shipbuilding, vessel conversions, repairs, technological innovation and knowledge exchange.
The deputy minister said the response to the Asian outreach had been encouraging, with Cyprus receiving significant recognition from industry stakeholders and government representatives.
The proposed expansion of Cyprus’s role in IMEC, together with the upcoming maritime business engagement in Mumbai, reflects the island nation’s growing interest in strengthening its maritime and trade relations with India. It also presents an opportunity for Indian shipping companies, shipowners and maritime service providers to explore closer cooperation with Cyprus’s established shipping ecosystem.