The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Agreement between India and Cyprus on Merchant Shipping, which was signed in April 2017.

The Agreement in Merchant Shipping will pave the way for cooperation in eliminating any hindrances which may hamper the development of sea trade between the two nations. The MoU will encourage participation in the transport of goods between the countries, and also from third countries. The MoU further seeks to enhance cooperation for employment, improvement of conditions of work and for the welfare of seafarers employed on each other’s vessels.

Merchant Shipping Agreement enhances bilateral cooperation to remove trade barriers and strengthen seafarer employment, welfare and working conditions. Ex post facto approval was granted for the Merchant Shipping Agreement between India and Cyprus establishing a bilateral framework to remove impediments to maritime trade, facilitate transport of goods including via third countries, and promote cooperation on seafarer labour matters covering employment, working conditions and welfare of seafarers on each other's vessels.