Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday, 22 May shared a warm moment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by taking a selfie ahead of bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The gesture came as the two leaders greeted each other before discussions aimed at deepening India-Cyprus ties.

The Selfie Moment

Before formal talks commenced, President Christodoulides pulled out his mobile phone and captured a selfie alongside Prime Minister Modi. The moment drew attention as a sign of the cordial personal chemistry between the two leaders. Notably, several other world leaders — including French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — have similarly taken selfies with Modi in recent years, underscoring his informal diplomatic style.

Key Engagements During the Visit

Earlier in the day, President Christodoulides paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, a customary gesture for visiting heads of state. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on the Cyprus President, expressing appreciation for his positive sentiments toward bilateral ties and India-European Union cooperation.

Following his meeting with Christodoulides, EAM Jaishankar posted on X: 'Delighted to call on President Christodulides of the Republic of Cyprus in New Delhi today. Value his positive sentiments and guidance for strengthening our bilateral ties and India - EU cooperation.' He added: 'Look forward to his meeting with PM Narendra Modi later today, further advancing our partnership.'

Arrival and Ceremonial Welcome

Christodoulides arrived in the national capital on Thursday after completing the Mumbai leg of his State visit to India. He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta and accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Guard of Honour. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the reception in an official post on X.

In Mumbai, Christodoulides — accompanied by NSE Chairman Srinivas Injeti and NSE MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan — rang the NSE India bell, signalling the economic dimension of the visit.

Significance of the State Visit

According to the MEA, the visit builds on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Cyprus in June 2025 and reflects both nations' shared commitment to strengthening the India-Cyprus partnership. In New Delhi, Christodoulides is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The visit signals a deepening of diplomatic and economic engagement between India and Cyprus at a time when India's ties with the European Union are under active cultivation.