ODOP Initiatives by HCI Nicosia

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High Commission of India’s Role in Promoting ODOP in Cyprus

The High Commission of India in Nicosia is deeply committed to promoting the Government of India’s flagship initiative, One District One Product (ODOP), as part of its cultural diplomacy, trade facilitation, diaspora engagement, and public outreach. By showcasing ODOP products in Cyprus, the Mission bridges Indian craftsmanship with Cypriot markets, encourages sustainable tourism, and fosters people-to-people ties.

These efforts have been consistently recognised. In 2024, the High Commission was honoured with the National ODOP Award for its outstanding promotion of Indian products abroad. This accolade underscores the Mission’s leadership and dedication to positioning ODOP as a central pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy and commercial outreach.

Events and Activities on ODOP

1) Meeting with Invest India ODOP Division (23 October 2024)

High Commissioner Mr. Manish met with Ms. Akanksha Kanungo and her team from the ODOP Division at Invest India in New Delhi. The meeting was a strategic milestone in developing frameworks to introduce ODOP products to Mediterranean and European markets via Cyprus.

  • Discussions included premium ODOP products: Coorg & Araku coffee, Maharashtra wines, Odisha silver filigree, Rajasthan block-printed textiles, traditional lacework, handcrafted pottery, and Banarasi silks.

  • Emphasis was placed on innovative marketing strategies, building B2B connections, and organising exhibitions and trade fairs through the High Commission.

  • The dialogue concluded with a roadmap for robust commercial outreach, linking Indian artisans and producers with Cypriot and European buyers.

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2) Women Entrepreneurship Day (17 November 2024)

The Mission curated a special ODOP booth at the Women Entrepreneurship Day 2024, blending craft, wellness, and knowledge-sharing.

  • The booth showcased handloom sarees, artisanal jewellery, block-printed fabrics, eco-friendly handicrafts, and millet-based products.

  • Visitors were engaged through India’s International Year of Millets campaign with recipe flyers and tastings of millet-based snacks.

  • The Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz was also promoted, offering participants an interactive journey through India’s heritage and achievements.

  • High Commissioner Mr. Manish urged attendees to embrace “Heritage as Enterprise”, positioning ODOP crafts as viable opportunities for diaspora and Cypriot women entrepreneurs in boutique retail and online platforms.

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3) MBS Wellbeing Festival, Limassol (15 November 2024)

At the MBS Wellbeing Festival 2024, the Mission created a fusion of ODOP products, health, and sustainability.

  • High Commissioner inaugurated the booth displaying eight varieties of Indian millets: Bajra, Ragi, Foxtail, Proso, Barnyard, Little, Kodo, and Sorghum.

  • Two publications were launched: Millet Recipes – A Healthy Choice and the digital edition Millet Magic – Nutritious Recipes from India’s Ancient Grains.

  • Flyers and posters carried a message from Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraging the global adoption of millets.

  • The booth connected India’s farm-to-fork philosophy with Cypriot wellness trends, positioning millets as both a health product and a sustainable ODOP export.

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4) Whiskey Tasting Event (24 November 2024)

In an innovative outreach, the Mission integrated ODOP into Cyprus’ first-ever Indian Whisky Tasting Event.

  • Featured Amrut and Indri-Trini single malts, award-winning Indian whiskies gaining global recognition.

  • ODOP branding and banners showcasing Moradabad brassware, Banarasi textiles, and Odisha silver filigree were displayed prominently.

  • The event attracted hospitality leaders, distributors, retailers, and whisky enthusiasts, broadening the ODOP audience through non-traditional platforms.

  • This initiative positioned ODOP within the premium beverage and lifestyle sector, reinforcing India’s image as a producer of both craft and luxury.

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5) Virtual Buyer–Seller Meet on Coffee (13 January 2025)

The High Commission, in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, hosted a Virtual Coffee Meet linking Indian exporters with Cypriot importers.

  • Featured ODOP premium coffees from Coorg, Araku, Chikmagalur, and Nilgiris.

  • Created a platform for direct B2B dialogues, exploring trade opportunities and market trends.

  • Strengthened agricultural trade diplomacy by showcasing India’s diversity in coffee varieties and positioning Cyprus as a potential hub for Mediterranean coffee imports.

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6) Flavours of Bharat & ODOP Wall (29 March 2025)

The flagship Flavours of Bharat event provided the platform for the inauguration of the ODOP Wall at the Mission.

  • Unveiled by High Commissioner Mr. Manish and Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Culture, the wall is a permanent installation showcasing India’s crafts.

  • Displays include: Blue Pottery (Rajasthan), Pattachitra (Odisha), Madhubani (Bihar), Brassware (Moradabad), Sandalwood carvings (Karnataka), Silver Filigree (Odisha), Banarasi Silk (UP), Kerala Kasavu, Gujarat Ikat, Ayurvedic products, and Indian literature.

  • The ODOP Wall has since become a living exhibition space, visited by dignitaries, students, and diaspora groups, integrating ODOP into all Mission outreach programmes.

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ODOP Products Displayed at Flavours of Bharat Event 2025

7) Youth Tech Fest (1 February 2025)

The Mission integrated ODOP branding into the Youth Tech Fest, linking tradition with innovation.

  • ODOP banners highlighted India’s heritage crafts alongside futuristic themes.

  • Activities included a Made-in-India gaming corner, India Quiz, and a free yoga session in partnership with Art of Living Cyprus.

  • Positioned ODOP as a source of entrepreneurial inspiration for youth, blending technology with heritage.

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8) Travel Expo Cyprus 2025 (28 April 2025)

The Mission curated a vibrant India Pavilion at the Travel Expo Cyprus, combining tourism and ODOP.

  • Showcased Himalayan shawls, Banarasi silks, Ayurvedic handloom cottons, and regional handicrafts.

  • Promoted ODOP products as part of India’s cultural tourism economy, alongside Incredible India visuals of Kerala backwaters, Rajasthan festivals, and Goa beaches.

  • The event also unveiled the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 commemorative T-shirt, symbolising the blend of wellness and cultural diplomacy.

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9) Education Diplomacy Meeting (11 June 2025)

High Commissioner Mr. Manish met with Mr. George Pantelis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (Cyprus).

  • Discussions included academic collaborations, student mobility, safety, and bilateral educational frameworks.

  • The Mission highlighted how Indian cultural studies and ODOP crafts could become part of research and exchange programmes.

  • Acknowledged the growing number of Indian students in Cyprus as a positive people-to-people link.

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10) Diaspora Engagement – “Bhasha: The Language of Art” (9 July 2025)

High Commissioner met with Ms. Shobha Parthasarathy and Mr. Venkatesh Rengarajan, distinguished diaspora members.

  • Ms. Parthasarathy’s initiative “Bhasha – The Language of Art” showcases traditional Indian handicrafts such as Madhubani, Warli, Dokra, and Kolam, all created with eco-friendly natural materials.

  • The High Commission praised this initiative as an exemplary diaspora-led effort to preserve ODOP-linked crafts abroad.

  • The Mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting diaspora cultural entrepreneurship.

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11) National Handloom Day (7 August 2025)

The Mission celebrated National Handloom Day with an ODOP focus.

  • Encouraged diaspora members to wear ODOP-linked textiles like Banarasi Silk, Bhagalpur Tussar, and Odisha Ikat.

  • Shared handloom stories on social media, paying tribute to the Swadeshi Movement.

  • Reinforced India’s commitment to sustainable fashion and “Vocal for Local” campaigns.

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National Handloom Day Document

High Commission’s Social Media Links

Contact for ODOP Initiatives

Mr. Manish Bajaj
Attache (Commerce)
Email: pic.nicosia@mea.gov.in

High Commission of India, Nicosia
3, Indira Gandhi Street, Engomi 2413, Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: (+357) 22 351 741 • Website: https://www.hcinicosia.gov.in

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