Modi's Historic Visit to Cyprus: A Diplomatic Message to Turkey

Significance of Modi's Visit to Cyprus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Cyprus on Sunday marks the first visit by an Indian leader to the eastern Mediterranean island in 23 years. This visit is perceived in Nicosia as a diplomatic gesture aimed at Turkey, which has held one-third of Cyprus since 1974 and supported Pakistan during the recent Operation Sindoor.

Invited by President Nicos Christodoulides, PM Modi will be accompanied by a substantial delegation of approximately 100 officials.

Despite the historical connections between India and Cyprus, visits from Indian Prime Ministers have been infrequent, with only two previous visits in the last four decades—by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002.

This stop in Cyprus is part of a broader three-nation tour that includes attendance at the G-7 Summit in Canada and Modi's inaugural visit to Croatia.

Diplomatic sources indicate that this visit aims to convey a message to Ankara, which has drawn New Delhi's ire due to its backing of Pakistan amid recent tensions and its remarks regarding Kashmir.

Cyprus's Support for India

India has raised concerns over Turkey's actions, which have led to a public backlash and a boycott of Turkish products in India. In contrast, Cyprus has shown support for India regarding terrorism issues. Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, Cyprus condemned the act and pledged to address cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the European Union level.

Cyprus is also a crucial part of the energy corridor that will enhance connectivity between India and Europe through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). This initiative, which aims to create a connectivity corridor between these regions, is backed by the United States.

Political and Economic Implications

PM Modi's visit is deemed significant from both political and commercial perspectives, revitalizing high-level interactions as Cyprus prepares to take on the European Union Council Presidency in the first half of 2026.

India has consistently advocated for a resolution to the Cyprus issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions, while Turkey seeks recognition for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which it has established in the northern region of the island.

Cyprus actively supports India's bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Strengthening Business Ties

Currently, economic and business relations between Cyprus and India are rapidly evolving, creating new investment opportunities beneficial for both nations. Eurobank, one of Cyprus's largest banks, has recently announced the opening of a representative office in Mumbai to facilitate Indian businesses entering the European Union and enhance connections between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

During the visit, PM Modi and President Christodoulides will travel to Limassol, where they will engage in a round-table discussion with business leaders from both countries to further enhance trade relations.

Official Meetings and Discussions

On Monday, PM Modi will receive an official welcome at the Presidential Palace, followed by a private meeting with President Christodoulides, who will present him with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus's highest honor.

This will be succeeded by extensive discussions between the two delegations, focusing on bilateral relations and strategies to strengthen them, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, infrastructure, and investment, as well as EU-India relations and the IMEC. The situation in the Middle East and South Asia, along with recent developments in Cyprus, will also be on the agenda.