Cyprus has much to gain from India

By Chris Michael

A recent interview given by India’s High Commissioner in Nicosia, Manish Manish, to Alpha TV has brought renewed attention to an issue of considerable economic, social and humanitarian importance: the role of Indian workers in the Cypriot labour market and the need to ensure that cooperation between the two countries goes hand in hand with effective safeguards for workers’ rights.

Cyprus has benefited considerably from its relationship with India, a major and rapidly developing country with an expanding international economic and geopolitical presence. Bilateral ties extend well beyond trade and investment, encompassing diplomacy, defence, business, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Within this broader relationship, the employment of Indian nationals has become an important aspect of bilateral cooperation. Cyprus relies on foreign workers to address labour shortages in sectors such as construction, agriculture and delivery services, with Indian workers helping to meet genuine economic needs. Their contribution forms part of a relationship that offers significant opportunities for both countries.

However, their contribution must not be measured solely in economic terms. Every worker is an individual with rights, family responsibilities and the legitimate expectation of earning a living under safe and dignified conditions.

Reports and allegations of possible labour exploitation, misleading employment terms, excessive recruitment fees and inadequate living conditions affecting foreign workers are a cause for concern. Allegations involving Indian nationals in Cyprus underline the need for thorough investigations and timely intervention by the relevant authorities.

Attracting workers from abroad is not enough. Effective monitoring of employment conditions, transparent recruitment procedures, proper oversight of private employment agencies and safe channels for reporting abuses are essential.

No worker should face intimidation, arbitrary treatment, homelessness or threats for seeking to exercise their legal rights. Nor should dependence on an employer or intermediary prevent access to justice and the protection afforded by the rule of law.

**Labour legislation **

The responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus is clear: to ensure that lawful recruitment is accompanied by the effective enforcement of labour legislation and respect for human dignity. Addressing potential exploitation protects workers while strengthening Cyprus’s credibility as a country seeking to attract talent, investment and international partnerships.

Within this context, the work of India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish Manish, and the Indian diplomatic mission in Nicosia is particularly significant. Their engagement with local authorities contributes to efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Strengthening bilateral ties requires more than diplomatic declarations. It depends on sustained dialogue between institutions, business networking, cultural exchanges and practical initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to both societies. The High Commissioner’s role in facilitating communication and cooperation is therefore an important element in advancing the Cyprus–India partnership.

In the economic and business sphere, closer links between the two countries’ business communities can create new opportunities for trade, investment and commercial partnerships. Cyprus can serve as a potential gateway to the European market for Indian companies, while Cypriot businesses can explore opportunities in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies.

Cooperation in meeting demand for skilled professionals, including engineers and highly qualified specialists, also offers considerable potential. Such collaboration can strengthen the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, provided it is based on clear rules, mutual benefit and respect for the rights of all workers.

Ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals employed on the island must therefore remain an integral part of a responsible and sustainable bilateral relationship.

Defence and security are further areas in which contacts, exchanges of expertise and practical cooperation can contribute to closer ties. These efforts form part of a broader ambition to build a multifaceted partnership that reflects the contemporary needs and shared interests of Cyprus and India.

Culture is equally important. Initiatives such as the Namaste Cyprus festival, alongside cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Culture under relevant agreements and memoranda of understanding, provide opportunities to showcase the history, traditions and contemporary cultural life of both countries. Such initiatives strengthen mutual understanding and reinforce the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two peoples.

Human dimension

Through cultural events, educational exchanges and professional and social contacts, bilateral relations acquire a human dimension that extends beyond official meetings and diplomatic statements. The Indian High Commission’s contribution to these initiatives highlights the importance of sustained engagement between the two societies.

Cyprus has much to gain from further developing its relationship with India. Cooperation in trade, business, defence, technology and culture offers substantial opportunities that merit a long-term strategic approach. The diplomatic efforts of the High Commissioner and the Indian High Commission in Nicosia can help advance this agenda and build mutual trust.

At the same time, the strength of a bilateral relationship cannot be measured solely by the number of agreements signed or the volume of trade conducted. It must also reflect how each country treats the other’s citizens who live and work within its borders.

Ensuring decent working conditions for Indian nationals in Cyprus should be an essential part of the wider partnership.

Protecting workers is not merely a humanitarian obligation; it is also a matter of the rule of law, institutional credibility and mutual respect. Effective action against exploitation and equal protection under labour legislation create a stronger foundation for closer relations between Cyprus and India.

High Commissioner Manish and the embassy in Nicosia have an important role to play in sustaining dialogue, encouraging new initiatives and further strengthening bilateral ties. Continued diplomatic engagement can help translate shared ambitions into practical cooperation that benefits both countries.

Ultimately, the relationship between Cyprus and India should grow at every level, from government contacts and business partnerships to the everyday experiences of their citizens. Genuine friendship between two countries is demonstrated not only through economic cooperation and diplomatic agreements, but also through a shared commitment to fairness, respect and human dignity.

That is the foundation on which Cyprus and India can build an even stronger and more meaningful partnership for the benefit of both peoples and future generations.

Chris Michael is a political commentator and business consultant

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