Nicosia, June 17: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to the Mediterranean island in 23 years, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and countering Turkey’s growing alignment with Pakistan.
Modi, who was welcomed at the airport by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, described the gesture as “special” and said the visit would add momentum to India-Cyprus relations, particularly in trade, investment, and security. The two leaders are expected to sign multiple cooperation agreements during official talks on Monday.
The visit is the first stop on Modi’s three-nation tour that includes attending the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada and a bilateral trip to Croatia.
Modi’s visit to Cyprus comes weeks after military tensions with Pakistan, during which Turkey publicly supported Islamabad. Cyprus, which has been embroiled in territorial disputes with Turkey since 1974, has consistently supported India’s position on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, making the visit symbolically significant.
“Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU,” Modi said in a statement. “The visit provides an opportunity to build upon historical bonds and expand our ties in trade, investment, security, and technology.”
Cyprus is also set to assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026, adding weight to Modi’s outreach to European partners amid Delhi’s push for deeper ties with the EU.
Modi is expected to receive a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace on Monday and may be taken on a visit to the Green Line in Nicosia, the UN-controlled buffer zone dividing the island. Such a visit would be seen as a message to Ankara amid its continued backing of North Cyprus and Islamabad.
The leaders will also discuss the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), proposed during India’s G20 presidency last year. Cyprus’s maritime location makes it a potential logistics hub for the project, which aims to strengthen energy and trade links between South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Cyprus is exploring expanded defence cooperation with India and sees New Delhi as a key partner in countering regional security challenges.
After Cyprus, Modi will travel to Canada to attend the G7 summit hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The summit is expected to focus on energy security, critical mineral supply chains, and the Israel-Iran conflict. Modi will also hold sideline meetings with global leaders and reiterate India’s position on resolving disputes through diplomacy.
The final leg of Modi’s trip will take him to Croatia, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister. Modi will meet President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to boost bilateral cooperation in trade and culture.
