Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Cyprus marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between India and the island nation. Arriving on Sunday, June 15, 2025, Modi received a warm welcome from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at Larnaca International Airport. This visit holds particular importance as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to President Christodoulides for the warm reception, acknowledging the special gesture of being personally welcomed at the airport. Modi conveyed his optimism that this visit would inject considerable momentum into India-Cyprus relations, particularly in key areas such as trade and investment.
In a statement released prior to his departure from New Delhi, Modi described Cyprus as a close friend and a vital partner in the Mediterranean region and the European Union. He emphasized that the visit presents a valuable opportunity to build upon the existing historical bonds and to broaden the scope of cooperation between the two countries. The focus will be on enhancing ties in trade, investment, security, technology, and promoting stronger people-to-people connections.
During his two-day stay in Cyprus, Modi is scheduled to engage in discussions with President Christodoulides on a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, education, maritime cooperation, digital connectivity, and regional security. He is also expected to address business leaders in Limassol, Cyprus's prominent financial hub. These interactions aim to foster greater economic collaboration and explore new avenues for partnership.
The visit underscores the strategic importance India places on its relationship with Cyprus. Cyprus has consistently supported India's positions on critical issues such as Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and reforms within the United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, Cyprus has been a strong advocate for India within the European Union, actively contributing to the enhancement of India-EU relations.
From Cyprus, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Kananaskis in Canada to participate in the G7 Summit, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The summit will address pressing global challenges, including economic stability, climate change, and international security. Finally, Modi will conclude his three-nation tour with a visit to Croatia, where he is expected to meet with President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to discuss strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, highlighted the historic nature of Modi's visit, emphasizing that it is expected to provide a significant boost to India-Cyprus relations. He noted the potential for agreements in trade, technology, and investment, and stressed that the two countries will explore ways to deepen their strategic partnership, including cooperation in global and regional forums. The High Commissioner also mentioned the synergy between India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and Cyprus's "Vision 2035," suggesting opportunities for leveraging each other's strengths to achieve these goals.
