Modi’s Cyprus Visit: Geostrategic Depth, Symbolism, and a Message to Ankara

Amid escalating tensions in South Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus today transcends routine diplomacy, carrying profound political and geostrategic weight.

Far from a mere ceremonial stop, this marks Modi’s first trip to the Republic of Cyprus at a pivotal moment when India is amplifying its global influence and reshaping geopolitical alignments.

Powerful Political Symbolism

Modi will be greeted by President Christodoulides at Larnaca airport, where stringent security measures are in place due to the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis, with missile exchanges visible from Cyprus. The island has activated contingency plans to shelter civilians if needed. Despite regional volatility and a recent tragic air accident in India, Modi’s commitment to the visit remains firm.

The itinerary includes a business roundtable in Limassol with leaders from both nations, followed by an informal working dinner. Tomorrow, Modi will receive an official welcome at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, hold private talks with Christodoulides, and be honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.

Bilateral discussions will focus on deepening ties in trade, economy, infrastructure, and investments, alongside EU-India relations, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and developments in the Middle East, South Asia, and the Cyprus issue. Modi will also address the University of Cyprus, highlighting the “historic bond between two peoples with shared colonial pasts and aspirations for independence and progress.” Several intergovernmental agreements will be signed, and the establishment of an “Indo-Cypriot Strategic Cooperation Council” will be announced.

A Strategic Signal to Ankara

Modi’s visit reverberates in Ankara, serving as an indirect but pointed response to Turkey’s longstanding support for Pakistan, particularly on the Kashmir issue. In turn, Pakistan backs Turkey’s stance on the breakaway “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” despite not formally recognizing it. India’s engagement with Cyprus is part of a broader strategy to counter Turkish-Pakistani alignment by strengthening ties in regions critical to Turkey’s interests.

For Ankara and the Turkish-occupied north, Modi’s presence on the island is a diplomatic affront, reinforcing the Republic of Cyprus’s legitimacy and rejecting any “two-state solution” that would recognize the breakaway north. As a UN member, BRICS nation, and nuclear power, India’s endorsement of Cyprus as the island’s sole legitimate authority sends a clear message.

Geostrategic Imperatives

India’s interest in Cyprus extends beyond symbolism. The island’s strategic location positions it as a gateway to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, aligning with India’s ambitions for the new Silk Road and the India-Europe axis via the Red Sea and Mediterranean. Cyprus is also a hub for energy projects, offering opportunities for India to invest in LNG infrastructure and participate in European initiatives to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

Leveraging Cyprus’s EU Role

Modi’s visit comes ahead of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency in early 2026, presenting India with a chance to bolster its influence in Europe through a reliable partner. Unlike larger EU players like France or Germany, Cyprus offers a less entangled platform for India to advance its trade, security, technology, and migration agendas in Brussels. As a stable Mediterranean ally with ties to the U.S. and Israel, Cyprus serves as a “power multiplier” for India’s European aspirations.

While India remains a BRICS member with an independent stance, it sees no contradiction in deepening ties with Cyprus, a NATO-aligned nation. This reflects India’s strategy of balancing Western partnerships without compromising BRICS ties or aligning too closely with Russia or China, the latter being a key Asian rival. Modi’s visit underscores India’s ability to forge flexible alliances across geopolitical divides, leveraging Cyprus’s strategic position.

Historical Bonds, Modern Ambitions

The visit also draws on deep historical ties. As former British colonies, India and Cyprus were partners in the Non-Aligned Movement, with leaders like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Archbishop Makarios fostering close relations. India recognized the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 and has consistently supported it at the UN.

Today, the two nations are embarking on a new chapter of strategic partnership, defined not by their colonial past but by shared goals of global influence, regional stability, and economic growth in a multipolar world. Modi’s visit to Cyprus is a bold step in this direction, blending symbolism, strategy, and a pointed message to Ankara.