India Extends Geopolitical Heft Into Mediterranean With Cyprus Move, Dents Turkey's 'Islamic NATO' Dream

Nicosia: India  India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral relations to the level of a full strategic partnership. This announcement was made during Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides' recent visit to India. During this visit, a five-year defense roadmap and several other agreements were concluded between India and Cyprus.

These agreements are being viewed as a sign of the growing convergence between the two nations regarding security, trade, and connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This development comes at a time when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—along with several other Sunni nations—are spearheading an initiative to form an 'Islamic NATO'.

Several significant developments took place during the Cypriot President's visit to India from May 20 to May 23. However, the partnerships forged between the two nations regarding security and defense garnered particular attention. During the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Christodoulides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. Both sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025, as well as the terrorist incident near the Red Fort in New Delhi in November 2025.

Has Cyprus Set Sights on BrahMos and SkyStriker Drones?

Both leaders welcomed the finalization of the Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation (2026–2031) between the defense ministries of the two countries. This roadmap provides an institutional framework to foster defense industrial cooperation and technology partnerships, while also facilitating exchanges, training, and capacity building. Cyprus has expressed keen interest in Indian defense platforms, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and kamikaze drones like the Nagastra-1 and SkyStriker. These systems had captured global attention following their performance during 'Operation Sindoor.'

Indian Weaponry to be Deployed in the Mediterranean?

Although no arms procurement deal has yet been finalized between India and Cyprus, this initiative is being viewed as a roadmap for future defense relations. It also aligns with India's ambition to strengthen its foothold in the global arms market. If Cyprus's interest translates into actual procurement, it would mark the first deployment of Indian-manufactured weapon systems in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Does Turkey Have Long-Standing Enmity with Cyprus?

Turkey has occupied Northern Cyprus since 1974 and remains embroiled in ongoing disputes with Nicosia regarding maritime boundaries and energy resources. Turkey maintains close defense and political ties with Pakistan. During 'Operation Sindoor,' Turkey provided military assistance to Pakistan and openly declared its support. There are also reports suggesting that Turkey may soon join the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA); discussions are currently underway to include Egypt in this pact as well.