Will PM Modi’s Visit Strengthen Bilateral Ties and the India-EU Partnership?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened bilateral ties: PM Modi's visit aims to enhance India-Cyprus relations.
- Strategic discussions: Leaders will discuss trade, investment, and security.
- Historical significance: This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Cyprus in over 20 years.
- EU collaboration: Cyprus is a key partner as it prepares for its EU presidency.
- Diplomatic outreach: The visit is part of India's broader strategy to engage with Europe.
Limassol (Cyprus), June 16 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos upon his arrival at Larnaca International Airport in Limassol. He expressed his belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus will significantly enhance our enduring bilateral relationship and the collaboration between India and the European Union.
In a post on his official X account, EAM Jaishankar stated: “Thrilled to meet FM @ckombos of Cyprus upon my arrival at Larnaca. I am confident that PM @narendramodi’s visit to Cyprus will fortify our long-standing bilateral ties and the India-EU partnership.”
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus, marking the beginning of his three-nation tour which includes Canada and Croatia.
Photos of his arrival in Cyprus were shared by PM Modi on his X account.
He received a warm reception at the airport from Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Finance Minister Constantinos Kombos, highlighting the deep historical connections between the two countries.
The Cyprus President also welcomed PM Modi on X, stating: “Welcome to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi! Here, at the EU’s southeastern frontier and gateway to the Mediterranean, we embark on a historic visit and a new chapter in our strategic partnership. Let us promise to advance, transform, and prosper together.”
PM Modi acknowledged the special welcome from the Cyprus President, responding on social media: “Landed in Cyprus. My heartfelt thanks to President Nikos Christodoulides for his warm reception. This visit will greatly enhance India-Cyprus relations, particularly in trade, investment, and more.”
This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over 20 years. During this visit, both leaders are expected to engage in extensive dialogues to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues in trade, investment, security, and technology.
Before his three-nation tour, PM Modi described Cyprus as “a close ally and an essential partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU.”
He emphasized that this visit is a chance to build upon the historical friendship between the two nations and to foster people-to-people exchanges.
As a member of the European Union, Cyprus is set to take on the ‘rotating presidency’ of the EU early next year. PM Modi’s visit is perceived as a vital step in India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach to Europe.
Following his stay in Cyprus, PM Modi plans to visit Canada for the G7 Summit and subsequently travel to Croatia for discussions with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.