Nicosia: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met senior United Nations officials in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Monday to discuss the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), India’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and continued support for the mission.
During his official visit to Cyprus from October 12 to 13, Singh also held discussions with representatives of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE) to explore opportunities for strengthening India-Cyprus defence industrial cooperation.
The discussions focused on emerging technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and space, with an emphasis on business-to-business partnerships and collaboration between defence start-ups in both countries.
India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, members of the Indian defence delegation, officials from the High Commission of India and UNFICYP representatives were also present during the engagements.
Rajesh Kumar Singh Holds Talks with UN Officials on Cyprus Peacekeeping Mission
During the meeting in Nicosia, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Khassim Diagne, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNFICYP, and Force Commander Major General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam.
According to the Indian High Commission in Cyprus, the discussions covered the UNFICYP mandate, India’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping and its continued support for the mission’s work in Cyprus.
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission stated that the exchange reaffirmed India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping, with the distinguished legacy of Indian peacekeepers in Cyprus providing a lasting foundation for continued engagement.
The meeting highlighted India’s continued support for international peacekeeping efforts and its contribution to maintaining peace and stability through United Nations missions.
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Defence Secretary Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers at Commonwealth War Memorial
As part of his engagements in Cyprus, Singh laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Memorial at Wayne’s Keep in the Buffer Zone.
The memorial commemorates Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Second World War.
Singh was accompanied by High Commissioner Manish, members of the Indian defence delegation, officials from the High Commission of India and UNFICYP representatives.
The wreath-laying ceremony paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the war and recognised their contribution to the shared historical legacy between India and the wider international community.
India and Cyprus Explore Defence Industrial Cooperation in Emerging Technologies
On October 12, Singh interacted with Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and members of the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE).
The discussions focused on strengthening defence industrial cooperation and research and development (R&D) partnerships between India and Cyprus.
Key areas of potential collaboration included:
- Drones: Exploring opportunities for cooperation in unmanned aerial systems and related technologies.
- Artificial intelligence: Promoting collaboration in AI-based applications and technological innovation.
- Cybersecurity: Identifying opportunities to strengthen cooperation in cyber technologies and security solutions.
- Space: Exploring collaboration in space-related technologies and associated sectors.
- Defence start-ups: Encouraging partnerships between start-ups in India and Cyprus.
- Business-to-business partnerships: Strengthening industrial connections and facilitating collaboration between companies in both countries.
The engagements highlighted the potential for greater cooperation between the two countries in defence technology, innovation and industrial development.
India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership Gains Momentum
Singh’s visit comes after the visit of the President of Cyprus to India in May 2026, following which the India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership gained further momentum.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Secretary’s visit is expected to reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to deepening and expanding bilateral engagement, particularly in the maritime domain.
Maritime security and defence industrial cooperation are among the key themes of Singh’s discussions with Cyprus’s political and defence leadership.
During the October 12-13 visit, Singh is also scheduled to hold meetings with his counterparts in the Cypriot Ministry of Defence and call on the country’s leadership.
The engagements are aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties, expanding cooperation in emerging technologies and advancing collaboration in areas of shared strategic interest.
Rajesh Kumar Singh to Visit Greece After Cyprus
After concluding his engagements in Cyprus, Singh will travel to Greece for an official visit.
During the visit, he is scheduled to interact with Greece’s senior defence and military leadership.
The Greece visit will provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral defence engagement and explore areas of mutual interest between the two countries.
Singh’s visits to Cyprus and Greece form part of India’s broader defence engagement with its European partners, with maritime security, defence industrial cooperation and emerging technologies featuring prominently in the discussions.
Through these engagements, India aims to strengthen defence partnerships, encourage industrial collaboration and deepen strategic ties with both countries.
