Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Cyprus this Sunday, and this journey will be historic as it will be the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister in the last twenty years. The yatra is an important link on his route during the G7 summit to be held in Canada from 15 to 17 June.
Increasing importance of Cyprus journey amidst India-Turki tension
This tour is happening at a time when diplomatic tension is increasing between India and Türkiye. Earlier, only Indira Gandhi (1983) and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2002) visited Cyprus. Modi’s visit is seen as giving a clear message to the world, especially Turkey, which has recently supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
PM Modi Cyprus Visit: Decades of retired relationship
India and Cyprus (PM Modi’s Cyprus Yatra) relations have been strong since the 1960s. India was also among the first countries to recognize independent Cyprus.
- Cyprus has always supported India on the Kashmir issue.
- India has also supported Cyprus’ sovereignty and regional integrity after the 1974 invasion of Türkiye.
- There have been several agreements related to defense, education, trade and migration between the two countries.
Cyprus has honored Mahatma Gandhi, while India has paid tribute to Archbishop Makarios. India has also played its role in Cyprus through the United Nations Procurement Force.
Economic relations and partnership between IMEC
Cyprus (PM Modi Cyprus Visit) has been the entrance to Europe for Indian investment. Both countries have collaborated in shipping, tourism and IT sector. Along with this, India and Cyprus together are working on the India-Mide East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which will strengthen trade and connectivity.
PM Modi Cyprus Visit: Cyprus-Turkish controversy
Cyprus was divided to the north and south since the Turkish military attack in 1974. The Turkish -backed part declared himself independent in 1983 as “Northern Cyprus”, which is only recognized by Türkiye. The United Nations and the European Union only recognize the “Republic of Cyprus”. The capital Nicosia is still divided into two parts – it is the last divided capital of Europe. The discovery of gas resources has made the dispute more complicated. Tension has increased further due to illegal maritime exploration from Türkiye and Turkish Cyprus.
Big diplomatic message of Modi’s visit
Prime Minister Modi’s visit (PM Modi Cyprus Visit) repeats India’s commitment to Cyprus and gives a clear message to Turkey that India stands with its old friends.
- Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council Presidency is an opportunity for India to strengthen relations with the European Union.
- This journey will also give impetus to cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and climate change.
- Nearly with Cyprus in terms of IMEC project, close relations with Cyprus can give India a strategic edge in the Middle East and Europe.
