Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of Cyprus, during his official visit to the island nation on June 16, 2025. The award was presented by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. This recognition highlights the deepening ties between India and Cyprus and acknowledges PM Modi's significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
The Order of Makarios III is named after Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus, and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. This prestigious honour is reserved for heads of state and other individuals of high stature, recognizing their meritorious service.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government, and the people of Cyprus for the honour. He dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion Indians and their capabilities and aspirations. He also acknowledged the award as a symbol of the cultural brotherhood and the ideology of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which means "the world is one family."
The Prime Minister emphasized that the honour is a testament to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus, their shared values, and mutual understanding. He accepted the award with humility and thankfulness on behalf of all Indians, underscoring the unwavering commitment of both nations to peace, security, sovereignty, regional integrity, and the prosperity of their people.
PM Modi's visit to Cyprus marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the nation in over two decades. During his stay, he engaged in discussions with President Christodoulides, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. A significant outcome of the visit is the anticipated signing of a Joint Declaration of Partnership, which aims to define the strategic relationship between Cyprus and India. This declaration is expected to create an institutional foundation for systematic cooperation, recognizing the strategic value each country attributes to the other.
The Joint Declaration of Partnership is considered a "historic and substantial development," paving the way for deeper bilateral relations. It is expected to enhance trilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, defence, investments, digital technologies, and the green transition. Cyprus views this development as a means to strengthen its role as a reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
India and Cyprus have historically enjoyed strong bilateral relations, built on friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation, especially within international organizations. Over the past six decades, the relationship has expanded to include economy and trade. Both countries are focused on priority areas for cooperation, aiming to enhance economic engagement.
Recent developments in defence cooperation include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in December 2022, followed by a Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) for 2025. These agreements aim to enhance structured cooperation in defence and military exchanges.
Economic and commercial ties between India and Cyprus have also seen steady growth. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 amounted to US$ 137 million. Key Indian exports to Cyprus include pharmaceuticals, textiles, iron & steel, ceramic products, machinery, and chemicals, while Cyprus exports pharmaceuticals, beverages, and manufactured goods to India.
PM Modi's visit and the conferment of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III signify a strengthened partnership between India and Cyprus, reflecting a shared vision for peace, stability, and sustainable development in a changing global landscape.
