Big blow to Erdogan, Turkey’s biggest enemy likely to strike major defense deal with India, foundation laid during PM Modi’s visit, it is about…
The agreements between India and Cyprus in science and defense have a geopolitical element concerning Turkey.
Three months following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Cyprus, the two countries are poised to move forward with multiple agreements. Demetris Skourides, the chief scientist for research and innovation (CSRI) of the Republic of Cyprus, said on Wednesday that many of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed in their various sectors are set to take shape.
Who is likely to strike a defense deal with India(BHARAT)?
Skourides was in Mumbai for the India(BHARAT)-Cyprus Summit. He explained that when Modi visited Cyprus in June, he had met with President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation in research, trade, AI, and defense. Skourides also mentioned the two countries might be interested in working on a defense deal.
During the meeting between Modi and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, the conversations addressed research, innovation, trade, and science, in addition to possible collaboration in fintech, the start-up ecosystem, the defense sector, digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and beyond.
Demetris Skourides, the chief scientist for research and innovation (CSRI) of the Republic of Cyprus, stated, “Building on that, it opens up a discussion for us to develop and nurture and fine-tune, I would say, the actual cooperation.” “So, there will be an engagement in the next few months between our minister of Digital Policy, Research and Innovation and the counterpart ministry in India(BHARAT) to start establishing MOUs where basically we outline how and where these areas are going to be there,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Why is this deal considered a blow to Turkey?
The agreements between India(BHARAT) and Cyprus in science and defense have a geopolitical element concerning Turkey. Turkey and Cyprus have long had hostile relations, and Turkey has a close friendship with Pakistan, which has had a difficult relationship with India(BHARAT). In this regard, India(BHARAT) is deepening ties with Cyprus, which is perceived as a reaction to Turkey and a way to balance regional tensions.
In June this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to Cyprus, becoming the first India(BHARAT)n Prime Minister to visit in 23 years. During his visit, he met with the President of Cyprus to discuss a variety of matters.
The origins of the tension between Turkey and Cyprus date back a few decades. In particular, the war in 1974 significantly exacerbated relations between the two states. The conflict in 1974 resulted in the permanent separation of Cyprus into two sides, which caused frustration on both sides. Both countries have since approached each other principally as foes.
Which sectors will the deal cover?
Demetris Skourides, a scientist from Cyprus, said that the US and China are the clear leaders in AI, but that India(BHARAT) has a unique ability in AI. He stated that India(BHARAT) is carving a space where new technologies will complement AI. He stated, “Quantum, for example, in AI. India(BHARAT) is one of the strongest countries in the world when it comes to quantum research. So, I think India(BHARAT) is a country that is well positioned to balance and create value for artificial intelligence.”
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skourides stated that there is potential for partnership with India(BHARAT) in the space sector as well.
- Demetris Skourides, a scientist from Cyprus, said that the US and China are the clear leaders in AI.
- The conflict in 1974 resulted in the permanent separation of Cyprus into two sides.
- Turkey and Cyprus have long had hostile relations, and Turkey has a close friendship with Pakistan.
Further, Skourides stated that there is potential for partnership with India(BHARAT) in the space sector as well. He stated, “India(BHARAT) is among the big five nations that are investing heavily into space. While Cyprus is not a space nation, the country has an emerging space ecosystem with companies that are building components, solutions, software, etc., that can actually work together to create a space ecosystem. So, space basically is an industry that we will be seeing evolving into what I call space tech.”
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