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कृपया इसे हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a landmark two-day visit to Cyprus—his first visit by an Indian premier in 23 years. He was welcomed warmly upon arrival in Larnaca by President Nikos Christodoulides, in a gesture both symbolic and strategic.

A Warm Welcome & Ground‑Level Enthusiasm

• Airport Reception: Modi landed at Larnaca International Airport on June 15, greeted in an unusually personal manner—welcomed by President Christodoulides himself, finance minister, officials, and cheering crowds.
• Diaspora Delight: In Limassol, dozens of Indian-origin families lined the streets with Indian flags and banners, chanting patriotic slogans. Modi embraced children and families, calling the interaction a “once-in-a-lifetime moment” for many.

Strategic & Economic Priorities

1. India–Cyprus Business Roundtable

Held in historic Limassol, the summit brought leaders from both nations together. Modi emphasized India’s digital transformation, noting UPI inclusion opportunities (already in place with France), and reaffirmed confidence that India would soon become the world’s third‑largest economy.

2. India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC)

The highlight was discussions on IMEC—a multi-modal trade route linking India to Europe via the Middle East and Cyprus. The island’s strategic location, especially ahead of its EU Council presidency in early 2026, makes it a valuable gateway.

3. Security & Regional Diplomacy

Beyond economics, the visit carried geopolitical weight. Cyprus’s firm stand on Turkish expansionism, its EU alignment, and past support for India on Kashmir and terrorism reinforce the strategic nature of this trip.

A History of Friendship

• Diplomatic Roots: India and Cyprus established relations in 1962. Cyprus has shown consistent support for Indian positions in international forums like the UN, NSG, and IAEA.
• UN Peacekeeping Legacy: India’s long service in UNFICYP is commemorated locally—roads dedicated, generals honored—highlighting deep people-to-people bonds.

The Broader Diplomatic Chessboard

This Cyprus visit marks the beginning of Modi’s three-nation tour: Cyprus, Canada (for the G7 Summit), and Croatia. It also follows Operation Sindoor, a major military move—making the timing a clear diplomatic statement, particularly signaling disapproval of Turkey’s proximity to Pakistan.

What Lies Ahead?

• Trade & Investment: MOUs expected in fintech, renewables, maritime, and shipbuilding.
• Digital Linkages: UPI expansion talks, aligned with India’s digital finance outreach.
• Defence & Security: Joint efforts in maritime security, anti‑terrorism, and possibly defence‑tech cooperation.
• People‑to‑People: Strengthening diaspora links, student exchange programs, and cultural ties.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Visit Dates: June 15–16, 2025 — PM Modi’s first-ever official visit to Cyprus as Indian Prime Minister.
• First in Over Two Decades: Last Indian PM to visit was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in October 2002 — Modi became the first since then.
• Warm Welcome: Received personally at Larnaca International Airport by President Nikos Christodoulides and senior officials.
• Indian Diaspora Engagement: Heavily cheered by Indians in Limassol; greeted with chants and emotional connections.
• Business & Start-ups: Hosted a bilateral business roundtable in Limassol, focusing on trade, fintech, digital, defence, logistics, shipping, and mobility.
• UPI & GIFT City MoUs: Made progress on digital finance — UPI integration with Eurobank and MOU between NSE International/GIFT City and Cyprus Stock Exchange.
• IMEC Initiative: Emphasized the India–Middle‑East–Europe Corridor using Cyprus as a strategic linkage to Europe.
• Grand Cross Honour: PM Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’ highest state honour.
• Cyprus’s EU Role: The island nation prepares to assume the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2026, strengthening its value as an EU bridge.
• Strategic Signal to Turkey: Visit seen as a diplomatic message amid Cyprus–Turkey dispute and Ankara’s alignment with Pakistan.
• Bilateral Trade: India–Cyprus trade stood at approximately USD 137 million between April 2023 and March 2024.
• Security & Peacekeeping: Visit included visits to UN buffer zone; highlighted historical Indian peacekeeping role in Cyprus.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news sources and official statements as of June 16, 2025. While we strive for accuracy, changes or updates may follow as ongoing diplomatic talks continue. No part of this article is intended for legal or financial advice.