PM reaches Cyprus; President Nikos Christodoulides receives Modi at airport

On his maiden trip abroad since Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sought to expand India's strategic ties with Cyprus, taking advantage of its location in the Mediterranean region and its principled position on Turkish expansionism.

In a significant gesture, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides received Modi at the airport. This is the first visit to Cyprus by an Indian PM in over two decades.

While the President hosted the PM for the dinner, Modi engaged with business leaders eager to deepen partnership. Cyprus's maritime connectivity and strategic location position it as a potential hub in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Cyprus is a key player in Eastern Mediterranean natural gas exploration and can assist India in diversifying its energy sources. Cyprus' strong ties with Israel, Greece and Egypt could also lead to cooperation in the region. Cyprus will also hold the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026.


Cyprus, whose northern part has been under Turkish occupation since 1974, has been among India's steadfast supporters on the Kashmir issue. Both countries support similar positions on major regional and international issues and have collaborated constructively in the UN, Commonwealth and other fora.

India has consistently endorsed the solution of the Cyprus issue based on UNSC resolutions, international law and the EU acquis. India supports a bi-zonal bi-communal federation based on UN Resolutions as a solution to the Cyprus problem.