Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday highlighted the growing economic and strategic relationship between Maharashtra and Cyprus, expressing confidence that ties between the two regions could witness significant expansion over the coming decade.
Speaking at the Cyprus-India Business Forum, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said cooperation in shipping, logistics, technology and innovation could emerge as major drivers of future collaboration.
“Next Decade Can Witness Extraordinary Expansion”
Addressing business leaders and delegates at the forum, Fadnavis described the partnership as strategically important and said economic engagement between the two sides was entering a new phase.
“Partnership between Maharashtra and Cyprus is very strategic,” he said.
“I firmly believe the next decade can witness extraordinary expansion in our economic relationship,” the Chief Minister added while emphasising long-term investment and trade opportunities.
Maritime Cooperation Highlighted as Key Area
Fadnavis identified maritime and shipping collaboration as one of the strongest areas for future cooperation, noting Cyprus’ global reputation in the shipping sector and Maharashtra’s rapid infrastructure growth.
“Shipping and maritime cooperation can become a defining pillar of this partnership,” he stated.
Describing Cyprus as a globally respected maritime power, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra was aggressively expanding its ports, logistics networks and shipping ecosystem to support international trade and industrial growth.
Cyprus Investments Reflect Confidence in India
The Chief Minister also referred to recent investments by Cyprus-based shipping firms in India, saying they reflected strong global confidence in India’s economic future.
“The recent investment commitments by a Cyprus-based shipping company in India demonstrate the immense confidence in India’s future and the enormous potential between us,” he said.
Industry representatives at the forum reportedly discussed opportunities linked to shipping infrastructure, trade connectivity and logistics development.
AI and Startups in Focus
Apart from maritime cooperation, Fadnavis stressed the importance of technology and innovation in strengthening bilateral economic engagement.
“Technology and innovation must also become central to this relationship,” he said.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister added that the state was actively building one of India’s strongest ecosystems for artificial intelligence, startups and emerging technologies.
Shared Democratic Values Emphasised
Highlighting the broader diplomatic relationship between India and Cyprus, Fadnavis said both nations shared common values rooted in democracy, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.
“Though geographically separated, history has placed us on the same side of values,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also recalled the historic relationship between India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Cyprus’ first President Archbishop Makarios III, describing it as a friendship built on trust and solidarity.
Cyprus President Participates in Business Forum
Nikos Christodoulides also attended the Cyprus-India Business Forum during his India visit, which continues until May 23.
The forum focused on strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between Indian and Cypriot businesses across multiple sectors.
