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Building a New Strategic Partnership: Cyprus and India’s Economic Alliance

In an ambitious step towards strengthening bilateral relations, Cyprus and India have announced plans to fortify their economic ties, following a landmark visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During a pivotal business forum in Limassol, Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides dubbed the visit as a critical juncture for Cyprus-India relations, catalyzing investment opportunities across various sectors.

Positioned as the southeasternmost member of the EU, Cyprus offers Indian businesses a geographically strategic entryway into Europe, enhanced by its stable economy and burgeoning technology sector.

The historic visit has laid a robust foundation for cooperation in technology, AI, digital infrastructure, and beyond—aligning mutual goals of sustainable development and technological innovation.

Acknowledging Cyprus as a vital economic partner, Modi celebrated the creation of the India-Cyprus-Greece business and investment council as a platform for economic synergy.

Endorsing the growth potential, Chrisodoulides highlighted Cyprus’ pivotal role in the Indian-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), positioning the island as a key entry point and economic hub.

Inspiring announcements included Indian AI firms establishing operations in Cyprus, boosting the island’s tech ecosystem, as part of a broader vision for a knowledge-driven economy. These developments align with Cyprus’s commitment to infrastructural modernization and economic diversification.

Adding to this dynamic landscape, Cypriot banks, such as Eurobank, have partnered with India’s financial technology, incorporating India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to revolutionize cross-border payment services.

Furthermore, the partnership reflects broader regional ambitions. Leaders shared visions for integrating technological systems to bolster the regional economy, shedding light on future-oriented opportunities.

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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