New Delhi : On June 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic visit to Cyprus, marking the first trip by an Indian premier to the Mediterranean nation in 23 years. This landmark visit, part of a three-nation tour including Canada and Croatia, underscored the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Cyprus. During his stay, PM Modi engaged in high-level talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, attended a business roundtable in Limassol, and was conferred with Cyprus’ highest civilian honor, the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’. The visit culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration on the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Cyprus Visit
Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership
During the visit, India and Cyprus signed a Joint Declaration to implement a Comprehensive Partnership, reinforcing their commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in the UN Charter. Both nations expressed strong support for resuming UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question, a long-standing issue stemming from the division of the island since 1974. Cyprus also voiced unwavering support for India in combating cross-border terrorism, condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This mutual stance highlights the shared values and strategic alignment between the two countries.
Cyprus Confers Highest Civilian Honor on PM Modi
In a significant gesture of goodwill, PM Modi was awarded the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’, Cyprus’ highest civilian honor. This recognition reflects the deepening ties between the two nations and acknowledges India’s growing global influence under Modi’s leadership. The honor further cements Cyprus as a reliable partner for India in the Mediterranean and European Union (EU).
Strategic Significance of Cyprus for India
Countering the Turkey-Pakistan Axis
The visit to Cyprus comes at a time when India seeks to counter the growing Turkey-Pakistan axis. Turkey’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and during Operation Sindoor has strained India-Turkey relations. By strengthening ties with Cyprus, India aims to bolster its diplomatic strategy to isolate Pakistan internationally. Notably, Turkey recognizes Northern Cyprus, a territory seized by Turkish forces in 1974, while India maintains close ties with the Republic of Cyprus, aligning with Nicosia’s position on the Cyprus Question.
Gateway to Europe via IMEC
Cyprus serves as a critical gateway to Europe for India, forming part of the energy corridor and enhancing East-West connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). As Cyprus prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026, it is poised to play a pivotal role in advocating for India’s interests within the EU. The IMEC, a strategic initiative, aims to foster economic integration and energy cooperation, with Cyprus acting as a key link in this ambitious project.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Cyprus ranks among the top 10 investors in India, with cumulative investments of USD 14.65 billion between 2000 and 2025. The visit highlighted Cyprus’ keen interest in further investments in India, particularly in sectors such as financial services, IT, and tourism. PM Modi welcomed this commitment, emphasizing the potential for Cyprus to leverage India’s rapidly growing economy.
Support for India’s Global Ambitions
Cyprus has consistently supported India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This backing underscores Cyprus’ role as a dependable partner in advancing India’s global aspirations.
PM Modi’s Remarks at the Business Roundtable in Limassol
On June 15, 2025, PM Modi, alongside President Nikos Christodoulides, addressed a business roundtable in Limassol, a vibrant city on Cyprus’ southern coast. The event, attended by leading CEOs from both nations, highlighted the immense potential for growth in India-Cyprus economic ties. Modi emphasized India’s rapid economic transformation over the past 11 years, driven by next-generation reforms, policy predictability, stable governance, and an improved Ease of Doing Business environment.
India Poised to Become World’s Third-Largest Economy
PM Modi expressed confidence that India, currently the fourth-largest economy globally, is well-positioned to become the third-largest in the coming years. He attributed this trajectory to reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), rationalized corporate taxes, decriminalized laws, and a focus on fostering a “trust of doing business” alongside ease of doing business. Modi highlighted India’s strengths in innovation, digital revolution, start-ups, and futuristic infrastructure development, which have made it the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
Opportunities for Cypriot Companies
Modi outlined opportunities for Cypriot companies to partner with India in high-growth sectors such as civil aviation, port development, shipbuilding, digital payments, and green development. He underscored India’s skilled talent pool and startup ecosystem, identifying manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors, and critical minerals as emerging areas driving India’s growth story.
Digital Revolution and UPI Expansion
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s digital revolution, noting that approximately 50% of global digital transactions occur in India, thanks to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He welcomed ongoing discussions to introduce UPI for cross-border payments in Cyprus, following successful collaborations with countries like France. This initiative, formalized through an understanding between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank Cyprus, is expected to benefit tourists and businesses, enhancing bilateral trade and mobility.
Tourism Collaboration
Modi described Cyprus as a “famous tourist destination” and emphasized India’s focus on destination development and management. He advocated for close collaboration between tour operators of both nations, calling it a “win-win” opportunity. This emphasis on tourism cooperation is particularly relevant given the decline in Indian tourist influx to Turkey following Ankara’s support for Pakistan, prompting calls for boycotts of Turkish destinations.
Financial Services and MoUs
The business roundtable saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSE International Exchange GIFT CITY, Gujarat, and the Cyprus Stock Exchange, aimed at facilitating cross-border financial flows. Additionally, the agreement between NIPL and Eurobank further solidified plans to introduce UPI services in Cyprus. These MoUs reflect the commitment to deepening financial and economic collaboration.
India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business Council
PM Modi welcomed the launch of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council, which will foster trilateral cooperation in sectors such as shipping, logistics, renewable energy, civil aviation, and digital services. This initiative positions Cyprus as a hub for Indian companies seeking entry into the European market, particularly in IT services, financial management, and tourism.
India-EU Relations and Free Trade Agreement
As Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council presidency in 2026, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership partnership. They expressed optimism about concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025, which would significantly boost trade and economic cooperation. Cyprus’s role as a bridge between India and the EU is critical, given its upcoming presidency and support for India’s interests within the bloc EU.
Geopolitical Context and Expert Analysis
The visit’s visit’s strategic importance was underscored by noted geostrategist Brahma Chellaney, who noted that Turkey is likely to view Modi’s trip to Cyprus as a signal of India deepening ties with Ankara’s regional rivals, including Greece, Armenia, and Egypt. Unlike Turkey’s strategic and military nexus with Pakistan, Cyprus has long supported India on critical issues, including its UNSC bid. Chellaney highlighted Cyprus’s pivotal role in the IMEC, enhancing its energy diplomacy while expanding India’s footprint in the Mediterranean and countering Turkish expansionism.
Three-Nation Tour: Cyprus, Canada, Croatia
PM Modi’s Cyprus visit is the first leg of a three-nation tour that includes Canada and Croatia. In Canada, Modi will attend the G7 Summit’s outreach session on June 17 and hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to reset bilateral relations following a diplomatic row over the 2023 killing of a Khalistani separatist. In Croatia, Modi will meet President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenaj to explore new avenues for cooperation, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the country.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus on June 15, 2025, has ushered in a new era of dynamic and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Cyprus. From signing the Joint Declaration to receiving Cyprus’ highest civilian honor, the visit reinforced strategic and economic ties. With Cyprus’ support for India’s global ambitions, its role in the IMEC, and the potential for enhanced collaboration in trade, tourism, and technology, the partnership is set to flourish. As India positions itself to become the world’s third-largest economy, Cyprus emerges as a vital partner in this journey, bridging Europe and fostering a shared vision for a prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit Cyprus in June 2025?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus on June 15, 2025, to strengthen bilateral ties, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 23 years. The visit aimed to enhance the India-Cyprus Comprehensive Partnership, boost economic cooperation, and counter the Turkey-Pakistan axis. Key activities included signing a Joint Declaration, attending a business roundtable in Limassol, and receiving Cyprus’ highest civilian honor, the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’.
2. What is the significance of the Joint Declaration signed during the visit?
The Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership reaffirmed India and Cyprus’ commitment to a rules-based international order based on the UN Charter. It emphasized support for UN-facilitated efforts to resolve the Cyprus Question and condemned cross-border terrorism, specifically the recent Pahalgam attack. The declaration strengthens strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
3. How does Cyprus support India’s global and regional ambitions?
Cyprus supports India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. It is a key partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), enhancing East-West connectivity. As Cyprus prepares for the EU Council presidency in 2026, it will advocate for India’s interests within the EU, including the India-EU Free Trade Agreement expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
4. What economic opportunities were highlighted during PM Modi’s Cyprus visit?
PM Modi emphasized India’s rapid economic growth, projecting it as the world’s third-largest economy soon. He highlighted opportunities for Cypriot companies in sectors like civil aviation, ports, shipbuilding, digital payments, and green development. The visit saw MoUs signed for UPI implementation and cooperation between the NSE International Exchange GIFT CITY and Cyprus Stock Exchange, alongside the launch of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council.
5. How does the Cyprus visit fit into India’s broader geopolitical strategy?
The visit counters the Turkey-Pakistan axis, as Turkey supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and during Operation Sindoor. Cyprus, a reliable partner, strengthens India’s diplomatic stance in the Mediterranean and EU. The visit aligns with India’s strategy to expand its global footprint through initiatives like the IMEC and deepen ties with nations opposing Turkish expansionism, as noted by geostrategist Brahma Chellaney.
