How many Indians live in Cyprus?

According to the MEA brief, around 15,500 Indians were living and working in Cyprus as of April 2026, mainly in shipping, IT and Fintech, with farmhands, domestic workers and students.

Is there a Chair of Indian Studies in Cyprus?

An MoU to establish a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Nicosia was signed during the Prime Minister's visit to Cyprus in June 2025.

Is there a Nehru Avenue in Cyprus?

Yes. A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was installed next to the Parliament of Cyprus in July 1972, and the avenue in front of it was named "Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue" in 1983.

Culture, education and the Indian community in Cyprus

This article covers cultural relations between India and the Republic of Cyprus (RoC), the commemorations that mark historical links between them, academic cooperation and the Indian community in Cyprus. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of May 2026.

Cultural agreements

India and Cyprus signed an agreement on Cultural Cooperation in New Delhi on 24 October 1980. According to the MEA brief of May 2026, the last Executive Programme for Cultural, Educational and Scientific Cooperation between the two countries was signed on 28 April 2017.

Academic cooperation

On the sidelines of the Prime Minister's visit to Cyprus in June 2025, an MoU was signed to establish a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Nicosia. The brief does not give figures for Indian students in Cyprus or for scholarships, although it lists students among the groups that make up the Indian community there.

Commemorations and goodwill gestures

The brief records several goodwill gestures that mark the regard each country has for the other:

India has named an avenue in New Delhi in honour of Archbishop Makarios, the first President of RoC.
The street in Nicosia on which the High Commission of India is located is named after Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was installed in the garden adjacent to the Parliament of RoC in July 1972, and the avenue in front of the bust was named "Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue" in 1983.
RoC issued two postal stamps in 1970 on the Centenary Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
RoC issued a commemorative stamp on 10 September 2019 for Mahatma Gandhi's 150th Birth Anniversary.

During his visit to Cyprus from 29-31 December 2022, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Acting President, Ms. Annita Demetriou, who is also the Speaker of the House of Representatives, jointly issued a Commemorative Stamp. It marked 75 years of India's Independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Cyprus.

Cultural programme of the High Commission of India

The brief states that the Indian High Commission in Nicosia undertakes a wide range of cultural, commemorative and outreach activities. These include celebrations of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and World Hindi Divas, cultural performances, the promotion of Hindi and other Indian languages, Indian film exhibitions and screenings in major cities, the promotion of Indian music, and Republic Day and Independence Day functions.

The High Commission coordinates the observance of major Indian festivals, including Holi, Diwali, Onam, Maha Shivaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi, in partnership with the Indian community and local stakeholders. Its annual calendar also includes literary and heritage programmes such as Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti and exhibitions and cultural evenings on "Vande Mataram". Gandhi Jayanti, National Unity Day (Sardar Patel Jayanti) and Constitution Day are also observed.

Signature events

"Flavours of Bharat", showcasing Indian craft, culture and cuisine, was first held on 29 March 2025, and its second edition took place on 27 March 2026.
The inaugural edition of "Namaste Cyprus" was held on 14 September 2025, presenting India's cultural diversity through music, dance and thematic presentations.

The Cultural Wing of the High Commission promotes India's wellness traditions through the International Day of Yoga, lead-up yoga events and Ayurveda outreach. The High Commission also holds media briefings and commemorative events on historical links between the two countries, including tributes to General K. S. Thimayya, the second Force Commander of UNFICYP.

The Indian community in Cyprus

According to the brief, around 15,500 Indians were living and working in RoC as of April 2026. The community mainly consists of professionals working in shipping, IT and Fintech, together with farmhands, domestic workers and students.

The brief states that the Indian diaspora organises various cultural events and takes part in the cultural programmes organised by the High Commission. During his visit in December 2022, EAM addressed the Indian community at an event in Larnaca.