New Delhi

India and Cyprus on Friday upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and agreed to establish a joint task force to strengthen cooperation in areas including infrastructure and shipping.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in New Delhi.

The two leaders also exchanged views on global developments, including the ongoing crises in West Asia and Ukraine.

Addressing the media after the talks, Modi said India supports all international efforts aimed at bringing an early end to conflicts and restoring peace.

“Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for an early end to the conflict and for peace,” the prime minister said.

Modi noted that economic engagement between the two countries has grown steadily over the past decade, with investments from Cyprus into India nearly doubling.

“Trust between the two countries has increased, and with the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, numerous new possibilities have emerged,” he said.

The prime minister added that both countries are aiming to double investment levels again within the next five years.

“And to realise this resolve, today we are elevating our trusted relationship to a strategic partnership,” Modi said.

The two sides also agreed to deepen collaboration in maritime security and counter-terrorism.

President Christodoulides said India and Cyprus would form a joint task force to facilitate cooperation in strategic sectors such as shipping and infrastructure development.

READ MORE: Who clicked the first picture of Holy Kabba?

The Cypriot president arrived in India on Wednesday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening political and economic engagement between the two nations.