PM Modi’s Visit to Cyprus: A Strategic Signal Amid Turkey-Pakistan Nexus

On June 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in over 20 years. The visit, which is part of a three-nation tour including Canada and Croatia, holds major geopolitical significance amid growing ties between Turkey and Pakistan. Modi’s outreach is viewed as an effort to deepen India’s engagement in Europe and the Mediterranean, counterbalance Turkey’s regional assertiveness, and strengthen bilateral cooperation with a trusted ally.

Why in News?

PM Modi’s Cyprus visit marks a major diplomatic step to recalibrate India’s strategic positioning in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is perceived as a subtle yet firm signal to Turkey, which has taken a strongly pro-Pakistan stand on Kashmir and supplied drones to Pakistan during recent hostilities. Cyprus is expected to play a crucial role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and will hold the EU Council Presidency in 2026.

Background & Historical Ties

• India and Cyprus have had friendly and consistent relations since Cyprus’ independence from Britain in 1960.

Cyprus has supported,

• India’s UNSC permanent membership bid.
• The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in international forums like the NSG and IAEA.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia.
• Address to business leaders at Limassol, promoting economic and investment ties.
• Emphasis on cooperation in counterterrorism, energy, and digital infrastructure.

Geopolitical Significance

• Turkey’s support for Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and supply of military equipment to Pakistan has strained India-Turkey relations.
• Cyprus remains divided since 1974, with Northern Cyprus under Turkish occupation, unrecognized by the international community except Turkey.
• India’s growing closeness to Cyprus sends a symbolic counter-message to Turkey.

Strategic and Economic Importance of Cyprus

• Located at the crossroads of Europe, West Asia, and Africa, Cyprus is crucial for logistics and trade corridors.
• Key part of IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) which boosts multimodal connectivity and energy partnerships.
• Its EU Council Presidency (Jan–Jun 2026) positions Cyprus as a key interlocutor for India in the EU.