Did PM Modi and President Christodoulides Meet to Enhance Strategic Ties?

Limassol (Cyprus), June 16 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, participated in a business roundtable event aimed at enhancing the strategic partnership between their nations across various sectors. They also discussed the remarkable economic growth of India over the past decade.

On Sunday, PM Modi shared on his official X account: "Strengthening business connections! I engaged with prominent CEOs alongside President Christodoulides to invigorate commercial ties between India and Cyprus. Sectors like innovation, energy, technology, and more hold significant potential. I also highlighted India's reform journey over the last ten years."

Earlier, President Christodoulides expressed on X: "Today we are constructing more bridges; enriching and extending economic collaborations between Cyprus and India. Together, we are entering a new phase of strategic partnership based on trust and shared values, motivated by innovation and inspired by our rich historical connection and the vast opportunities ahead of us. Together, we convey a powerful message of cooperation and prosperity, while also sharing a message of hope."

He further stated in another X post: "Engaging in roundtable discussions with the Indian Prime Minister and members of the business communities from both Cyprus and India."

Earlier on Sunday, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, noted on X: "Further solidifying investment, technology & business connections. PM @narendramodi with President @Christodulides addressed a business roundtable featuring leading business figures from Cyprus and India. The leaders emphasized enhancing economic relations in areas including trade, investment, financial services, fintech, start-ups, innovation, AI, IT, logistics, defense, connectivity, shipping, and mobility."

In a warm welcome to PM Modi, President Christodoulides referred to this visit as a "historic occasion" that would usher in a new chapter in the India-Cyprus partnership.

"Welcome to Cyprus Prime Minister @narendramodi! Here, at the EU's southeastern edge and gateway to the Mediterranean, a historic visit marks a new chapter in a strategic partnership without limits. We pledge to advance, transform, and prosper together as Cyprus, India, and the EU."

Upon arrival in Larnaca, EAM Jaishankar met with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, emphasizing that PM Modi's visit would further strengthen long-standing bilateral relations.

He tweeted, "Thrilled to meet FM @ckombos of Cyprus upon my arrival at Larnaca. I am confident that PM @narendramodi's visit to Cyprus will deepen our longstanding bilateral ties and the India-EU partnership."

PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in over two decades.

Welcomed with ceremonial honors by President Christodoulides at Larnaca International Airport, this visit signifies renewed momentum in Indo-Cypriot relations, with commitments from both nations to enhance cooperation across trade, technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

During his engagement with the Indian diaspora in Cyprus, enthusiastic chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" filled the air, underscoring the emotional significance of the visit.

One attendee even brandished a yellow placard reading, "Jai Hind, Operation Sindoor, Justice is Served," alluding to India's recent counterterrorism efforts.

As India strives to expand its global influence, the Cyprus segment of PM Modi's three-nation tour—preceding the G7 Summit in Canada—highlights the strategic necessity of nurturing existing relationships while establishing new avenues for collaboration.

In turn, Cyprus reiterated its dedication to a partnership "without limits."

Prime Minister Modi shared a video capturing this moment on his official X account.

This visit is timely as Cyprus prepares to take on the presidency of the European Union Council in early 2026.

PM Modi's presence highlights India's aim to enhance its involvement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the mutual democratic values and historical ties that unite the two nations.

During his two-day stay in Cyprus, PM Modi is set to conduct bilateral talks with President Christodoulides, attend a business roundtable in Limassol, and be honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus's highest civilian accolade.

The recent establishment of a Eurobank representative office in Mumbai by Cyprus is viewed as a move to position itself as a financial link between Europe and South Asia.

There are also geopolitical implications to consider.

Cyprus has consistently supported India's positions on global matters, including its denunciation of cross-border terrorism.

Unlike Turkey's recent critiques of India's domestic policies, Cyprus stands as a trusted ally, advocating for India's aspirations on international platforms like the United Nations.

Local media have praised the visit as a historic milestone in bilateral diplomacy, highlighting its symbolic and strategic significance.

As PM Modi prepares to head to the G7 Summit in Canada, commentators in Cyprus have portrayed the visit as a pivotal moment in Mediterranean-Asian diplomatic relations.

PM Modi, accompanied by a substantial delegation of approximately 100 officials, is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nicos Christodoulides.