- Politics
- PM Modi Cyprus Visit
- By Manohar Patil
PM Modi's Landmark Cyprus Visit: Deepening Strategic Ties and Unlocking New Avenues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent two-day official visit to Cyprus, from June 15-16, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between India and the island nation. This historic visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, underscored the growing strategic importance of Cyprus for India and laid a comprehensive roadmap for future cooperation. The visit highlighted a shared commitment to addressing global challenges, fostering economic prosperity, and strengthening cultural linkages.
A Renewed Focus on Bilateral Relations
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, provided a crucial platform for high-level discussions. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome, reflecting the warmth and trust that define the India-Cyprus relationship. Both leaders held extensive talks, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration across various sectors. The discussions emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, with India reiterating its unwavering support for the unity of Cyprus.
Strategic Convergence and Geopolitical Significance
One of the key takeaways from the visit was the clear strategic alignment between India and Cyprus. Cyprus has consistently supported India’s bid for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council and has been a reliable voice for India in international forums. Notably, the visit also carried geopolitical weight, signaling a clear message against the backdrop of growing alignment between Turkey and Pakistan. Cyprus has been vocal in condemning terrorism and has consistently backed India’s position on cross-border terrorism. The commitment to establish a real-time information exchange mechanism between security agencies of both countries to counter terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling highlights this shared concern.
Bolstering Economic and Connectivity Ties
Economic cooperation was a central theme of PM Modi’s visit. Cyprus, with its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is seen by India as a crucial gateway to the European Union and the wider Mediterranean region. Discussions focused on enhancing trade, investment, and exploring opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, digital transition, technology, and financial services. A significant outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank Cyprus to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for cross-border transactions, a move set to benefit tourists and businesses alike. Furthermore, the MoU between NSE International Exchange GIFT City and the Cyprus Stock Exchange will facilitate cross-border financial flows.
The leaders also emphasized the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), with Cyprus playing a vital role as a Mediterranean transit point. With Cyprus slated to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the visit also strategically positioned India for enhanced engagement with the EU.
Deepening People-to-People and Cultural Connect
Beyond strategic and economic imperatives, the visit also focused on strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties. The leaders explored ways to deepen cultural linkages, acknowledging the growing popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus. An MoU to establish an India Studies ICCR Chair at the University of Nicosia was also signed, promoting academic and cultural exchange.
PM Modi’s Cyprus visit has set a robust foundation for a dynamic and multifaceted partnership. It has not only reinforced existing bonds but also opened up new horizons for cooperation, reflecting a shared vision for a stable, prosperous, and interconnected world.
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