• Source:JND
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PM Modi Cyprus visit: PM Narendra Modi on Monday became the first Indian Prime Minister in more than two decades to travel to the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, indicating a major rise in India-Cyprus relations. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the strengthening of ties, President Christodoulides awarded PM Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian honour. The high-level visit coincides with the changing global alliances and has very strong diplomatic, strategic, and economic overtones, including a message to Ankara, considering Turkey's continued support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

Referring to his extensive discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, PM Modi stated that India's relationship with Cyprus is "neither made by circumstances, nor limited". "I am confident that in the days ahead, our dynamic partnership will reach new heights. Together, we will bolster the advancement of our two countries and help create a peaceful and secure world environment," he added. India and Cyprus have shared diplomatic ties since 1962, with Cyprus unwaveringly supporting India on sensitive matters, including its position on Jammu and Kashmir in the United Nations and other global forums.

Strategic Signaling To Ankara

Diplomatic analysts cited by ANI stated PM Modi’s visit in Cyprus, a part of his three-nation tour that includes Canada and Croatia as a calculated geopolitical move, especially amid Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan and criticism of India’s policies in Kashmir. In contrast, Cyprus has stood by New Delhi, even vowing to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism at the EU level after Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Turkey's rising military coordination with Pakistan such as the reported supply of drones during the recent crisis has heightened the urgency in India's effort to foster regional and European allies who share its interest in combating terrorism and preserving sovereignty.

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Indian community welcomes PM Modi | Credit: X

PM Modi’s visit places a strong focus on trade, investment, and financial integration. One of Cyprus's largest banks, Eurobank, has announced that it will open an office in Mumbai, an initiative designed to push Cyprus as a gateway for Indian business groups into European markets. The two leaders greeted the signing of an MoU between NSE International Exchange, GIFT City, Gujarat, and the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Additionally, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank Cyprus agreed on facilitating the adoption of UPI. Modi also greeted the establishment of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council to promote cooperation in shipping, logistics, renewable energy, aviation, and digital services. PM Modi referred to this move at a roundtable in Limassol, urging stronger financial and commercial linkages. "Cyprus Stock Exchange and India's NSE have come to terms to collaborate in Gujarat's GIFT City," he added, pointing to increasing synergy between the two economies. Cyprus presents the strategic leverage with its low-tax system, robust finance infrastructure, and internationally recognised shipping sector, making it a potential launch base for Indian companies into the EU.

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Cyprus's Upcoming EU Presidency: A Timely Reset in Bilateral Engagement

The visit also precedes Cyprus taking over the rotating presidency of the European Union Council in early 2026. This will provide a major opportunity for India to push forward quickly on the stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement, with a target of being completed by the end of 2025. By reviving top-level political engagement, New Delhi aims to enhance backing within the EU on matters from commerce to counter-terrorism and UN reforms.

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Cyprus is also a key player in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) an American-supported infrastructure project linking India with Europe through the Middle East. President Christodoulides had invoked this during his visit to Israel in May, affirming Cyprus's position in the global trade routes. Cyprus is also a leading facilitator in the exploration of Eastern Mediterranean natural gas, where increasing tensions with Turkey have attracted world attention. India is looking for further energy collaborations and joint ventures in the region. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus is being seen not just as a revival of dormant ties but as a strategic recalibration in a complex geopolitical climate. With Cyprus backing India at multilateral forums, opposing terrorism, and offering economic access to Europe, the visit sends a message that India’s foreign policy is increasingly pragmatic, layered and bold.