In a landmark diplomatic outreach, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Cyprus from June 15 to June 17, 2025. This visit—the first by an Indian head of government in over two decades signaled a strategic deepening of bilateral relations with the Mediterranean nation.
Indian PM Narendra Modi was welcomed with full ceremonial honors by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia. Their discussions reinforced mutual commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a shared vision for a rules-based international order.
Building on earlier agreements, both nations agreed to intensify joint defense initiatives under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme. Real-time information sharing on terrorism and illicit trafficking was emphasized as a security priority.
PM Modi chaired a high-level business roundtable in Limassol, encouraging Cypriot investment in Indian fintech and AI sectors. A five-year roadmap for economic, maritime, and technological cooperation was jointly unveiled.
The Indian PM announced the creation of an India Studies Chair at the University of Nicosia to foster academic ties. In a moment of high honor, President Christodoulides conferred upon Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III—Cyprus’s highest civilian award.
This visit comes at a time when Cyprus has vocally supported India’s stance on Kashmir and UNSC reform, while India has backed Cyprus’s position on its reunification efforts. Observers view the trip as a subtle yet clear geopolitical signal to Türkiye, whose closeness to Pakistan remains a concern for New Delhi.
Cyprus, situated strategically in the eastern Mediterranean, is emerging as a vital node in the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi’s visit strengthens India’s posture as a pivotal force in transcontinental connectivity and Mediterranean diplomacy.
