Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Cyprus following Operation Sindoor holds significant strategic implications amid deepening ties between Turkey and Pakistan. This visit comes after Cyprus supported India in condemning cross-border terrorism at the EU level, showcasing a growing alignment in various sectors including trade, energy, and EU cooperation.

PM Modi's arrival in Cyprus on June 15 marked his first foreign visit post-Operation Sindoor, with upcoming stops in Canada and Croatia. The choice of Cyprus as the initial destination carries geopolitical weight, potentially sending a message to Turkey for its consistent support of Pakistan.

The visit was at the invitation of Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides, with PM Modi accompanied by a delegation of approximately 100 officials. During the visit, PM Modi was honored with the highest award of the country, The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.

This visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus is the first in over two decades, with the last visits by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. Despite historical ties, such high-level engagements have been infrequent.

PM Modi engaged in bilateral talks with President Christodoulides in Nicosia and addressed business leaders in Limassol, highlighting the significance of the visit in strategic, diplomatic, and economic terms, potentially serving as a message to Turkey.

HISTORICAL AND STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

The visit occurs amidst growing alignment between Turkey and Pakistan, with Turkey consistently backing Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. In contrast, Cyprus has been vocal against terrorism and condemned the April 22 attacks, expressing intent to address cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the EU level, aligning with India's stance on Kashmir.

Cyprus's historical tensions with Turkey, dating back to 1974, further underscore the strategic nature of PM Modi's visit, particularly in light of the evolving Turkey-Pakistan axis.

INDIA, CYPRUS, AND TURKEY

Cyprus has been a strong supporter of India on various international platforms and remains a dependable ally. In contrast, Turkey's support for Pakistan, including indirect involvement in recent hostilities, has strained relations with India.

PM Modi's tour is an opportunity to acknowledge partner countries' support against cross-border terrorism and to enhance global cooperation in combating terrorism in all forms.

INDIA, CYPRUS, AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Cyprus's strategic location makes it a crucial link in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), facilitating trade connectivity between India and Europe through the Middle East. Recent initiatives, such as Eurobank's plans to open a representative office in Mumbai, aim to strengthen economic ties between India and Cyprus.

PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to expanding economic engagement with Cyprus, citing collaborations between the Cyprus Stock Exchange and India's National Stock Exchange in GIFT City, Gujarat.

CYPRUS'S ROLE IN THE EU

With Cyprus set to hold the rotating Presidency of the EU Council in 2026, PM Modi's visit paves the way for enhanced collaboration on trade and security, potentially leveraging Cyprus's EU leadership to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

ENERGY AND NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION

Cyprus's involvement in Eastern Mediterranean natural gas exploration presents opportunities for energy cooperation with India, strengthening India's presence in a geopolitically sensitive region.

PM Modi's visit to Cyprus signifies a strategic move amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing India's commitment to bolstering ties with key allies and advancing mutual interests.