India and Cyprus hold inaugural Joint Maritime Committee meeting

India and Cyprus held the inaugural meeting of their Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) in Limassol. The meeting was conducted under the framework of a 2017 bilateral agreement on merchant shipping and serves as a mechanism to strengthen institutional dialogue and maritime cooperation between the two nations.

Co-chaired by Venkatesapathy S. of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Theodoulos Mesimeris of Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Ministry, the discussions focused on several key areas. These included maritime education and training, investment opportunities, the exchange of best practices and policies, and cooperation within the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Specific sectors explored for potential partnership include maritime services, shipping finance, ship repair and recycling, seafarer training and welfare, and green shipping. The Indian delegation also engaged with the Cyprus Ports Authority, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute. Preparations are underway for a visit by the Cypriot Shipping Deputy Minister to India and a Maritime Business Forum scheduled for Mumbai in November 2026.