On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the ancient city of Nicosia, strolling along the ceasefire line with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides — a ceremonial act emphasizing growing connections between India and Cyprus in times of regional tension.
Posting pictures of the tour, the Government of Cyprus tweeted on X: "Tour with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along ceasefire line, in old Nicosia. Where signs of the Turkish occupation are still visible."
PM Modi’s nearly day-long visit to Cyprus gains added significance against the backdrop of India’s strained relations with Turkey. Ankara’s unwavering support to Pakistan and its recognition of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus — a territory occupied by Turkish forces since 1974 — have remained contentious. Long-standing disputes over gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean further fuel friction between Turkey and Cyprus.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also mentioned that the two leaders walked through the center of old Nicosia — a testament to perseverance and resilience that symbolizes the resilience of the Cypriot people.
"Thankfulness towards President Christodoulides for taking me through some portions of the extremely historic city of Nicosia. Looking forward to enhanced people-to-people connections with Cyprus!" PM Modi tweeted after leaving.
This June 15–16 visit marks the first time in over two decades that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Cyprus, significantly reinvigorating diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with the Mediterranean island nation — a close ally and EU member.
This historic visit serves to underscore the time-tested friendship and reliable partnership between our two nations," noted Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA. He further noted that solidifying ties with Cyprus also reflects India's increasing engagement with the EU and Mediterranean.
Both parties entered into several agreements, reaffirming their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in various sectors and working together towards promoting India's presence within the region.
Earlier in the day, President Christodoulides bestowed Cyprus' highest civilian honor — the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — upon Prime Minister Modi in a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
It is the 23rd global recognition made to PM Modi, further establishing his position on the global stage. Experts pointed out that no earlier Indian Prime Minister has enjoyed this kind of sustained worldwide influence in diplomatic circles.
The ceremonial welcome took place at the palace, where a military band performed national anthems and PM Modi paid homage to the statue of Archbishop Makarios III by laying a wreath on it. The two leaders then met privately.
Warming to the Indian leader, President Christodoulides stated: "It is a great pleasure and honour to have you with us on this historic visit, 23 years since the last visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus."
He further said, "Your visit also indicates the firm political will to further deepen our bilateral cooperation in many areas — ranging from economy, trade, defence and security, technology, tourism, and connectivity. We witnessed yesterday during the forum with businessmen the keen interest that both Indian and Cypriot businessmen share."
A Joint Declaration adopted during the visit registered a dramatic leap in bilateral relations and wider India-EU relations.
"Cyprus is a stable and reliable partner of India in a region of special geostrategic significance, like the Eastern Mediterranean and more broadly the Middle East," declared the Cypriot President. "As an EU Member State, Cyprus is India's bridge to Europe. And as we are soon to take the EU Council Presidency in 2026, we are committed to deepening India-EU strategic cooperation."
President Christodoulides also expressed gratitude to India for its consistent stance on the Cyprus problem: "I also wish to thank you in public for your constant position on the issue of Cyprus and our work to bring an end to the occupation by Turkey and reunify our home. Meanwhile, I wish to publicly convey the support of the Republic of Cyprus on your initiatives to combat international as well as cross-border terrorism."
Read also| Everyone should evacuate Tehran, Says Donald Trump
