PM Modi’s Cyprus visit marks significant geopolitical move
PM Modi’s Cyprus visit
marks significant geopolitical move
PM Modi’s ongoing visit to Cyprus in the lead up to the G7 Summit in Canada marks a significant geopolitical move, with implications for India’s
According to the report, Modi’s stopover in Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in 23 years, is not just symbolic but part of a deliberate effort to counter the growing Turkey-Pakistan alignment.
The island nation, embroiled in a long-standing territorial dispute with Turkey, is seen by Indian officials as a natural ally in opposing Turkish regional influence.
Cyprus’s location and maritime connectivity make it a potential node in the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the report noted. Government sources revealed that PM Modi’s visit could help anchor Cyprus more firmly within India’s strategic calculations, especially with the country set to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) Council in 2026.
Strengthening ties with Nicosia is also expected to give India greater traction in Brussels as it pushes for deeper collaboration with the EU on trade, security, and global governance issues.
Cyprus has been a consistent supporter of India’s positions on contentious global issues, including Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It has also backed India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and endorsed the landmark India-US nuclear agreement.
Sources reveal that as India persists its campaign for expanded global influence, tighter relations with Cyprus could lead to broader EU support.
With Cyprus emerging as a player in Eastern Mediterranean gas exploration an area mired in tension due to Turkish drilling activities, Energy security is another key agenda point. India, looks to diversify its energy partnerships, eyes for new opportunities in the region.
Cyprus is also among the top sources of foreign direct investment in India, bolstered by the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the two countries. PM Modi is expected to engage with Cypriot business leaders in Limassol to explore deeper economic collaboration.
Sources also reveal that the defence front, both nations are looking to expand cooperation. Cyprus, facing constant security challenges from Turkey, is interested in boosting military ties with India.
Modi’s visit, his first foreign tour since India’s “Operation Sindoor” against Pakistan, underscores India’s intent to consolidate international partnerships in the wake of rising regional tensions.
The visit to Cyprus comes just before Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit in Canada, a meeting already under scrutiny due to tensions between India and Canada over the Hardeep Singh Nijjar issue. CNN-News18 notes that a robust European outreach, such as the Cyprus leg, gives India greater diplomatic leverage heading into this high-stakes global summit.
News Edit KV Raman
