India and Cyprus held the inaugural meeting of their Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) in Limassol on September 29, 2026, as the two countries seek to strengthen cooperation in shipping and related maritime sectors.
The meeting was co-chaired by Venkatesapathy S, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Dr Theodoulos Mesimeris, Acting Permanent Secretary in Cyprus’s Shipping Deputy Ministry.
Maritime committee established under 2017 agreement
The meeting was held under the Bilateral Agreement on Merchant Shipping signed by India and Cyprus in 2017. The JMC also forms part of the Cyprus-India Joint Action Plan and follows the official visit of the Cypriot President to India.
Maritime cooperation has been identified as an area of bilateral engagement by the Cypriot President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The JMC is intended to provide an institutional platform for dialogue on shipping-related matters and identify practical areas for cooperation between the two countries.
Maritime education, investment and green shipping discussed
During the meeting, India and Cyprus presented their respective maritime sectors and shipping ecosystems. Cyprus outlined the maritime and related services available through its position as an international maritime centre.
Discussions covered maritime education and training, investment opportunities, the exchange of policies and strategies as best practices, and cooperation on matters of mutual interest at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
According to India’s High Commission in Nicosia, areas identified for potential cooperation included maritime services, shipping finance, ship repair and recycling, seafarer training and welfare, and green shipping.
Indian delegation engages Cyprus maritime industry
The Indian delegation visited Cyprus from September 28 to October 1, accompanied by India’s High Commissioner Manish.
During the visit, the delegation held structured discussions with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, leading maritime companies, the Cyprus Ports Authority and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute. It also visited the Port of Limassol.
Mumbai Maritime Business Forum planned for November
India and Cyprus also reviewed arrangements for a visit to India by Cyprus’s Shipping Deputy Minister, who is expected to be accompanied by a high-level trade delegation.
The visit is planned ahead of a Maritime Business Forum in Mumbai in November 2026. The forum is intended to support potential joint ventures and capital investment between businesses from the two countries.
