Larnaca, June 15: In a landmark diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation. The visit comes ahead of the G7 Summit in Canada and underscores India’s growing focus on deepening relations with European and Mediterranean partners.
Prime Minister Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome at Larnaca International Airport by Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides, in what both Indian and Cypriot officials described as a historic moment in bilateral ties.
During his visit, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Christodoulides. The agenda includes enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, information technology, defence, innovation, renewable energy, shipping, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues, including maritime security and developments in West Asia.
Modi is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Christodoulides, and is accompanied by a high-level delegation of approximately 100 officials.
Ahead of his arrival, the Indian diaspora in Cyprus expressed enthusiasm and pride over the long-awaited visit. Although relatively small in number, the Indian community plays a crucial role in the country's education, healthcare, and business sectors.
India and Cyprus have shared friendly diplomatic relations since 1962. Cyprus has traditionally backed India’s positions on international issues such as Kashmir, consistently supporting New Delhi on platforms like the United Nations.
In addition to official engagements, Prime Minister Modi is expected to address and interact with members of the Indian diaspora, further emphasizing India’s commitment to engaging with its global community.
The visit is being viewed as a strategic element of India's evolving foreign policy, which seeks to foster stronger ties with smaller yet geopolitically significant nations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
(With agency inputs)
