New Delhi, May 22: Condemning the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 tourists dead, India and Cyprus on Friday called for stronger global action against cross-border terrorism and demanded accountability for terror networks.
The position was articulated during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, as the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation in counter-terrorism and security domains.
Briefing the media, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George said both leaders “categorically and unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism” and reaffirmed commitment to joint efforts against radicalisation and terror financing.
He said Cyprus extended “solidarity and unwavering support” to India in its fight against terrorism, particularly in the context of recent incidents, including the Pahalgam attack and the blast near the Red Fort.
The two sides also stressed the need for perpetrators of such attacks to be brought to justice without delay, and underlined that fragmented global responses were insufficient to address evolving terror threats.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that both leaders called for strengthening international mechanisms to counter terrorism in a “comprehensive and sustained manner” and pushed for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework.
India and Cyprus also agreed that state-backed and cross-border terror networks required coordinated global pressure, including disruption of financing channels and logistical support systems.
As part of institutional cooperation, the two countries agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to enhance coordination on intelligence sharing, counter-radicalisation efforts and security capacity building.
Prime Minister Modi, during the discussions, also outlined broader security cooperation including cyber security, maritime domain awareness and emerging technology-based defence systems.
The talks formed part of a wider strategic shift in bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to expand engagement across defence, infrastructure and digital sectors. Cyprus also reiterated its support for India’s position on global governance reforms, including its bid for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
President Christodoulides, on his part, said global governance structures must reflect current geopolitical realities and stressed deeper cooperation with India in addressing shared security challenges.
The visit also included discussions on investment, migration mobility frameworks and trade cooperation, with both sides noting steady growth in economic ties.
However, officials said counter-terrorism remained a central pillar of the renewed partnership, with both New Delhi and Nicosia describing terrorism as a shared global threat requiring urgent and coordinated international action. (KNO)
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