'Not an era of war': PM Modi declares amid West Asia tensions; highlights growing ties with Cyprus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides upon his arrival at the airport, in Larnaca, Cyprus. (PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that both India and Cyprus have expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia, reiterating his stand that "this is not an era of war".
PM Modi said he and president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, also agreed that "the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will pave the way for peace and prosperity in the region".
The Prime Minister stated that discussions also took place regarding the enhancement of connectivity with the Mediterranean region.
"We both expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not confined to those regions alone.
We both believe that this is not an era of war. Dialogue, resolution, and the restoration of stability are the call of humanity. We also discussed enhancing connectivity with the Mediterranean region," PM Modi said in an address after he was conferred with Cyprus's highest honour.
He further said: "We agree that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will pave the way for peace and prosperity in the region.
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Mr. President, I extend a heartfelt invitation to you to visit India".
The PM also declared that a real-time information exchange mechanism will be developed between the agencies of India and Cyprus to prevent terrorism, drugs and arms smuggling.
"We are grateful for Cyprus's continued support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism. To prevent terrorism, drugs and arms smuggling, a mechanism for real-time information exchange will be developed between our agencies," he said.
Earelir, PM Modi was honoured with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III by Cyprus during his visit, which comes amid strained ties between Turkey and India.
Acknowledging the honour, PM Modi said that the highest honour conferred upon him by Cyprus was not just a personal recognition, but an honour for India and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between Nicosia and New Delhi.
"This honour conferred upon me is not just mine but an honour for my country.
This is a stamp of unbreakable friendship between Cyprus and India," said PM Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
What's Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III ?
The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is the highest honour awarded by the Republic of Cyprus. Named after Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus and a key figure in the country's struggle for independence, the order recognises outstanding contributions to Cyprus or humanity at large.
It is typically awarded to heads of state, high-ranking officials, and distinguished individuals who have significantly advanced the interests of Cyprus or demonstrated exceptional service in political, diplomatic, or humanitarian fields.
The insignia of the Grand Cross is notably elegant, featuring a star and a sash in the colours associated with Cyprus. It reflects not only prestige but also the deep historical and cultural significance attached to Makarios III's leadership and legacy.
Visit after two decades
PM Modi's Cyprus visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in more than two decades, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening bilateral ties and strategic partnership.
Despite historical ties between the two countries, visits by Indian Prime Ministers have been rare. Only two such visits to Cyprus have taken place in the past 40 years, by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002.
"This is the visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus after a gap of more than two decades. And this is an opportunity to write a new chapter in mutual relations," the PM said.
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