PM Modi's Historic Visit to Cyprus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in 23 years. He was received at Larnaka International Airport by President Nikos Christodoulides, setting the stage for a high-profile diplomatic engagement between the two democracies.

On arrival, PM Modi proceeded to Lemesos (Limassol), where he was greeted with a rousing welcome by the Indian community and local Cypriots. A large number of students, professionals, and members of the Indian diaspora turned out, reflecting the warmth and strength of people-to-people ties between India and Cyprus.

A major highlight of the visit was PM Modi’s address at the India-Cyprus Business Roundtable in Limassol. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized India’s focus on deepening economic engagement with Cyprus, stating that beginning the visit with a business-focused event underscores the value India places on trade and investment. Key sectors identified for bilateral collaboration include maritime development, port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and shipbreaking — all areas where India is actively introducing new policy frameworks to encourage global participation. He also showcased India’s economic transformation driven by structural reforms aimed at making the business environment more competitive and open.

Later today, PM Modi and President Christodoulides are scheduled to co-chair a business roundtable with Indian and Cypriot entrepreneurs, further cementing commercial and investment partnerships.

The formal bilateral talks between the two leaders will be held tomorrow in the capital city, Nicosia. These discussions are expected to cover a wide array of strategic and developmental issues, including trade, education, digital cooperation, regional security, and broader geopolitical developments. High on the agenda are strengthening ties under the India–EU partnership and expanding connectivity through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

A symbolic and historic moment during the visit will be a joint tour of the Nicosia Town Hall, followed by a walk along the United Nations ceasefire line — a gesture that acknowledges India’s longstanding role in UN peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus.

The Cyprus leg of the visit will conclude with an official lunch hosted at the Presidential Palace in honour of Prime Minister Modi, celebrating the renewed vigour in India–Cyprus bilateral relations.

Following his engagements in Cyprus, PM Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. From there, he will proceed to Croatia, where he is scheduled to hold meetings with President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, continuing his three-nation tour.

This visit is being seen as a major milestone in Indo-Cypriot relations, with the potential to open new avenues of cooperation in strategic, cultural, economic, and geopolitical domains. It also reflects India’s expanding diplomatic footprint and its commitment to fostering strong partnerships across regions.