New Delhi: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Cyprus, a strategic move signaling India’s intent to counter Türkiye’s influence, which has strained relations with both Cyprus and India. Türkiye’s support for Pakistan during last month’s India-Pakistan tensions prompted this diplomatic outreach.
The visit aims to bolster India-Cyprus economic ties, positioning Cyprus as a gateway to the Mediterranean and the European Union. Amid uncertainties surrounding the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor due to the Israel-Iran conflict, New Delhi is exploring an India-Cyprus economic corridor.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides personally welcomed Modi at Nicosia airport, a gesture highlighting the visit’s significance. The leaders are expected to visit the ‘Green Line,’ a UN-patrolled demilitarized zone separating the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south from the Türkiye-backed Turkish Cypriot region in the north.
“Landed in Cyprus. My gratitude to President Nikos Christodoulides for warmly welcoming me at the airport,” Modi posted on X. “This visit will significantly boost India-Cyprus relations, particularly in trade, investment, and beyond.”
This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Cyprus since Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s trip 23 years ago. Christodoulides, welcoming Modi, posted on X: “Here, at the EU’s southeastern frontier…A historic visit…A new chapter in a strategic partnership with no limits. We promise to advance, transform, and prosper together.”
The leaders will discuss enhancing connectivity between India and Europe via the Middle East and Cyprus during formal talks on Monday. Modi will then travel to Kananaskis, Canada, for a G7 summit outreach session.
India’s outreach to Cyprus aligns with its strategy to engage Türkiye’s regional rivals, including Armenia and Greece, amid Ankara’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Tensions escalated after Türkiye supplied Pakistan with warships, military cargo planes, and Axisguard Songar drones, which Pakistan used against India during a May 7–10 cross-border flare-up following violence in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22.
India recently urged Türkiye to respect its sensitivities and press Pakistan to dismantle its terror ecosystem. Türkiye’s 1974 invasion of Northern Cyprus, following a coup attempt to unify the island with Greece, left the northern third under Ankara’s influence, while the internationally recognized government controls the south.
India has strengthened defense ties with Cyprus through a 2022 MoU and a 2025 Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed on January 23.
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