High Commissioner's Message
Welcome to the website of the High Commission of India in Nicosia. It is your window to India, providing access to information and services about India, whether you are planning a business trip or visiting as a tourist. It provides useful links to explore various facets of India – cultural, social, economic and political, among others. India and Cyprus have enjoyed a very strong relationship, predating Cyprus' Independence in 1960. India established a resident High Commission in 1981 in Nicosia.
President V VGiri visited Cyprus in 1972, R. Venkataraman in 1988 and Pratibha D. Patil in 2009. PM India Gandhi visited Cyprus in 1983 and PM Vajpayee in 2002. Almost all Cypriot Presidents have visited India. Bust of Mahatma Gandhi is located next to the Cyprus Parliament on Nehru Avenue in Nicosia and the road on which High Commission is located is named Indira Gandhi Street.
India has steadfastly stood for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus. India has contributed troops to the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus(UNFICYP). General PS Gyani (March 1964 to June 1964), General KS Thimayya (June 1964 to December 1965) and Lt. Gen. Devan PremChand(December 1969 to December 1976) commanded UNFICYP forces. General Thimayya died in Cyprus, and the Government of Cyprus issued a commemorative stamp and named a major avenue in his honour in Larnaca. At present, 4 Indian police personnel are deployed with the UNPOL in Cyprus.
Cyprus has shown sensitivity and support for India's positions on various issues of mutual interest and concern. Cyprus' membership of the European Union and its strategic location as a gateway to three continents has opened up potential new areas of bilateral cooperation. There are significant possibilities for Indian participation in high-technology areas including IT, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals, R&D and projects. Cyprus, as per the DIPP statistics, is 7th top investor in India with cumulative investments of US$ 9.278bn during from 2000 to June 2017. The Indian community in Cyprus is about 6500 of professionals, students and others.
I am confident that India–Cyprus relations will continue to grow and strengthen further in the coming years.
In the High Commission, we are committed to providing you various services including those related to visas, passports, consular, tourism, investment, trade and culture.
We will post on website upcoming events at which public participation will be deeply appreciated. We welcome your views and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us.
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