Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the associate professor at the University of Nicosia said Cyprus is well placed to contribute to the corridor’s development due to both its location and its status as an EU member state.
Kontos noted that India, the world’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, is expanding its regional influence, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on advancing the IMEC project.
He added that Cyprus’s strong ties with strategically positioned countries such as Israel and Greece could help create the necessary diplomatic framework to support the initiative.
However, he warned that regional instability, including the conflict involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, is affecting efforts to move the project forward. He said restoring momentum after the end of the conflict will require significant diplomatic effort, in which Cyprus could also play a role.
Kontos also highlighted the potential for broader cooperation between Cyprus and India in areas such as energy and advanced technology, including defence systems. He pointed to shared historical and geopolitical links, including their involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth, as factors supporting deeper bilateral relations.
Source: CNA
