Fact Check: "India will step up its defense ties with Cyprus through collaboration between the two countries’ respective defense industries, as stated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit on June 16, 2025."
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, during a visit to Cyprus, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would enhance its defense ties with Cyprus through collaboration between their respective defense industries. This statement was made during a joint news conference with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. Modi emphasized that discussions would also focus on boosting bilateral maritime and cybersecurity cooperation (AP News, Joint Declaration). The leaders expressed a commitment to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including defense, and to establish an information exchange mechanism aimed at combating terrorism (Hindustan Times, Euronews).
Analysis
The claim that India will step up its defense ties with Cyprus is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The announcement was widely reported, including by major news outlets such as the Associated Press and Hindustan Times, which confirmed Modi's statements regarding defense collaboration (AP News, Hindustan Times). The joint declaration issued after the meeting further supports this claim, detailing the commitment of both nations to enhance their defense and security cooperation, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and cybersecurity (Joint Declaration, Ministry of External Affairs).
The sources reporting on this event are credible and well-established, including international news agencies and official government statements. The Associated Press, for instance, is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and reliability. The joint declaration from the governments of India and Cyprus also serves as an authoritative source, outlining the specifics of the agreements made during the visit.
However, while the announcement is clear, the details regarding the extent and nature of the defense collaboration remain somewhat vague, as Modi did not provide specific examples or timelines during his address (ABC News). This lack of detail does not undermine the veracity of the claim but highlights that further information may be forthcoming as discussions progress.
Conclusion
The claim that India will step up its defense ties with Cyprus through collaboration between their respective defense industries is True. This assertion is supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements and joint declarations made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cyprus. The commitment to enhance cooperation in defense, maritime, and cybersecurity sectors indicates a significant step forward in India-Cyprus relations.
Sources
- The defense industries of India and Cyprus to step up cooperation ...
- Joint declaration on the implementation of the comprehensive ...
- Joint declaration on the implementation of ...
- Prime Minister meets the President of the Republic ...
- India and Cyprus to step up defense, maritime and cybersecurity ...
- India, Cyprus back each other on territorial integrity, to ramp up ...
- PM Modi Cyprus Visit Live Updates: PM Modi hails ... - Times of India
- India and Cyprus to boost defence and maritime ...
