The President of the Republic had specific requests in his luggage when he traveled to India in May. One of the most important was for Cyprus to serve as the European Union’s primary, reliable eastern gateway through the IMEC economic corridor.
“The IMEC, broadly speaking, is a regional initiative involving eight countries, which was announced when India held the G20 presidency. Cyprus was not among the original signatories, but it has expressed interest in joining IMEC, and we support this idea.”
Manish Manish – High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Speaking at the Cyprus Forum, Mr. Manish was asked to explain what he meant when he stated that Cyprus lacks the infrastructure to play an active role in IMEC.
“There are practical challenges that I do not wish to elaborate on. I would like the country to recognize and appreciate how trade routes and commerce operate among the countries in the region and Cyprus’s geographical location. When it comes to shipping, logistics, and port infrastructure, Cyprus needs to take certain steps. It must also improve its connectivity in terms of air capacity.”
Manish Manish – High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus
Shortcomings have been identified in the energy and digital sectors, and he notes that this is an area where India can help, stating that a proposal is on the table for Nicosia if it wishes to receive technical and other support from the International Solar Alliance for the green transition.
“Cyprus is in a good position, but we must keep in mind the current timing and circumstances—what is happening. We must be practical when it comes to the regional situation in this part of the world.”
Manish Manish – High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus
GSI Dossier
He was also asked to comment on the prospects offered by the Cyprus–Greece–Israel power interconnection.
“The Republic of Cyprus must discuss this internally and prepare itself; I would prefer not to comment, as it is a political issue that Cyprus must examine together with its partner countries in the region. Of course, there is the historical reality and the situation Cyprus has been facing for more than 50 years—the occupation and division of the country. That is the reality of life.”
Manish Manish – High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus
In today’s geopolitical environment, he notes, we must be particularly flexible but also practical.
Watch the report by Kleio Vourkou:
