New Delhi

India and Cyprus have underscored the significant potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a transformative initiative capable of reshaping global trade, connectivity and economic growth during the state visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India.

Speaking at a special media briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George said both countries acknowledged the strategic importance of the IMEC project and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and stability.

George stated that the corridor is considered a major initiative by both sides, with leaders recognising its capacity to transform international trade routes and boost prosperity through improved connectivity.

He added that India and Cyprus also reiterated their shared commitment to ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East region. According to him, both nations stressed the importance of expanding engagement and strengthening interconnection corridors linking India with Europe through the Middle East.

The MEA official further noted that the two sides discussed the possibility of establishing a bilateral connectivity dialogue to deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, logistics, trade routes and broader strategic connectivity projects.

The discussions were held during President Christodoulides’s ongoing state visit, with both countries exploring opportunities to broaden collaboration in trade, investment, maritime cooperation and regional connectivity initiatives.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced in 2023, consists of an Eastern Corridor connecting India with the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor linking the Gulf to Europe. The project envisions an integrated network involving railways, shipping links and road transport systems aimed at improving connectivity and trade efficiency across the regions.

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President Christodoulides is visiting India from May 20 to 23 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this marks his first visit to India in his capacity as President of Cyprus.