India and Cyprus on Monday elevated their ties to a “strategic partnership”, aiming to double investment flows and deepen cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides here.The two sides are also exploring a migration and mobility partnership, along with a social security agreement. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George later told mediapersons that “it will happen soon”.The strategic partnership is expected to unlock capital and boost commerce by connecting the financial and services hubs of both countries. It will create new opportunities for Indian companies in Cyprus’s infrastructure, energy and agriculture sectors, while also bringing fresh investment into India’s rapidly expanding shipping and maritime industries.At the joint press statement, Modi said, “We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. India is fully committed to these principles and will remain so in the future.”His remarks were seen as a reference to Turkiye’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus. At the time, Indian Army officer Lt Gen Diwan Prem Chand was heading the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and played a key role in ensuring that Turkish forces did not breach the ceasefire line.In the recent past, Turkiye has aligned with Pakistan and had supplied drones, manpower and weapons during Operation Sindoor in May last year. In response, India had asked several Turkish companies to leave the country.Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, is among India’s top 10 investors. Over the last decade, Cypriot investment in India has nearly doubled. Modi said the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement had opened up several new opportunities.“We aim to double this investment again in the next five years,” Modi said.Defence and security cooperation also figured prominently in the discussions. “We are very pleased that military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries have increased in the past few years,” Modi said.The two sides also decided to further strengthen cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.