Cyprus EU Presidency Dialogue in Ahmedabad Spotlights Deeper EU–India Economic Partnership

India and Cyprus deepened their business engagement in Ahmedabad on 27 April 2026, as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to India, His Excellency Evagoras Vryonides, took part in a day of policy and business outreach focused on Europe-facing opportunities for Indian companies. The programme brought together diplomatic, business and professional voices to examine Cyprus’ role in the wider India–Europe corridor and the commercial relevance of the European market for Indian enterprises.

Lighting of the ceremonial lamp to mark the inauguration of the conference. Seen in the picture are H.E. Evagoras Vryonides, Mr. Sujit S. Nair, Mr. Harsh Patel, along with other distinguished participants.

Cyprus Presidency and EU access

The Special Policy & Business Dialogue was jointly organised by the Europe India Centre for Business and Industry (EICBI), a European Parliament-accredited and European Commission-registered geopolitical forum and Water & Shark. Discussions centred on Cyprus Presidency priorities, the direction of EU–India engagement and Cyprus’ position as a strategic gateway to Europe for Indian businesses.

Evagoras Vryonides explained that the Cypriot EU Council Presidency, which runs from 1 January to 30 June 2026, provides a timely context for Indian companies looking at Europe. He noted that with Cyprus in this role, there is a greater focus on simplifying regulatory pathways and strengthening alignment mechanisms, which can help Indian enterprises navigate EU compliance frameworks with greater clarity and speed.

The High Commission of Cyprus hosted a reception at New Delhi on February 2, 2026, to mark the start of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and EICBI Chairman, Mr. Sujit S. Nair was invited to be a part of this celebration.

During the Ahmedabad event, speakers highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and practical market preparation for Indian firms seeking to expand in Europe. The dialogue also reflected the wider policy environment in which India and Cyprus are deepening engagement through diplomacy, trade and professional networks.

The Ahmedabad engagement also came at a significant moment in India-Cyprus relations, as President Nikos Christodoulides is scheduled to visit Mumbai on 21 May and Delhi on 22 May for a state visit, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2025 and the signing of the Joint Action Plan for 2025 to 2029. The upcoming visit is expected to include bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding.

H.E. Evagoras Vryonides addressing the audience at the India–Cyprus Business Conference in Ahmedabad.

Business and policy perspective

The session featured strategic inputs from Mr. Sujit Nair, Chairman of EICBI, who addressed the geopolitical and policy dimensions of India–Europe relations. Mr. Harsh Patel, CEO of Water & Shark, spoke on the legal and regulatory aspects of Europe-facing expansion, with attention to the requirements Indian firms must understand before entering or scaling in European markets.

Mr. Chintan Patel, Vice President of Kotak Mahindra Bank, also shared his perspective on capital integration and the financial structures needed to support deeper India–Europe business links. CA Rinkesh Shah, Chairman of the ICAI Ahmedabad Branch, delivered a special address as well. The dialogue concluded with an interactive session and networking among business and professional participants.

Mr. Sujit S. Nair spoke on the geopolitical and policy dimensions of India–Europe relations

Office visit and follow-up links

Beyond the main conference, the High Commissioner visited the Water & Shark office in Ahmedabad, where he discussed cross-border advisory, institutional collaboration and follow-up initiatives emerging from the dialogue. The interaction reinforced the practical role of diplomatic outreach in building business linkages and professional networks.

The visit concluded with an evening seminar at ICAI Bhavan titled “Seminar on Emerging Opportunities for Business and Professionals – India & Europe”. Hosted by the ICAI Ahmedabad Branch, it brought together members of the professional community to discuss Europe-facing business opportunities, professional readiness and the wider India–EU strategic partnership.

Cyprus in the India-Europe corridor

The Ahmedabad engagements highlighted Cyprus as both a diplomatic partner and a practical link in the India–Europe corridor. For Indian businesses, the discussions pointed to the value of clearer regulatory understanding, stronger institutional support and deeper engagement with European markets. The day’s programme showed how business forums, professional bodies and diplomatic missions can work together to strengthen India–Europe connectivity in a structured and forward-looking manner.