Message for Turkey? Why Modi's first post-Op Sindoor trip is to Cyprus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday, June 15, marking his first foreign visit post-Operation Sindoor. The three-nation tour will also include Canada, where he will attend the G7 Summit, and Croatia. His choice of Cyprus as the first destination carries geopolitical weight, possibly signalling a message to Turkey's consistent support for Pakistan.The visit comes at the invitation of Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides, with PM Modi accompanied by a delegation of around 100 officials.advertisementThe PM received the highest honour of the country, The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
Notably, this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades; the last two visits were by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. Despite historical ties between the two nations, such high-level engagements have been rare.During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Christodoulides in the capital, Nicosia, and addressed business leaders in the port city of Limassol.Here's why the visit is significant, strategically, diplomatically, and economically, and how it could be seen as a message to Turkey.HISTORICAL AND STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCEThe visit comes against the backdrop of growing alignment between Turkey and Pakistan. Turkey has repeatedly supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and voiced support during recent periods of heightened military tension between India and Pakistan.advertisementIn contrast, Cyprus has been vocal against terrorism. After the April 22 terror attacks, Cyprus condemned the violence and stated its intent to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the EU level. It has consistently backed India's position on Kashmir.Cyprus itself has long-standing tensions with Turkey, rooted in the events of 1974.After a Greek-backed coup attempted to merge Cyprus with Greece, Turkey launched a military invasion.While the legitimate government in Nicosia was eventually restored, Turkish forces never fully withdrew.The northeastern part of the island later declared independence as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a state recognised only by Turkey.The growing Turkey-Pakistan axis, added to Cyprus's longstanding tensions with Turkey, makes PM Modi's visit a strategic move.INDIA, CYPRUS AND TURKEYAs mentioned in a release by the Ministry of External Affairs statement, "Cyprus has supported India on numerous international bodies and remains one of India's dependable friends."Cyprus backs India's bid for a permanent seat on the expanded UN Security Council and supports the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement within the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), key forums for India's global energy ambitions.Turkey, on the other hand, has not only voiced support for Pakistan in Kashmir but has also been indirectly involved in recent hostilities. During the post-Operation Sindoor conflict, drones used by Pakistan against India were reportedly of Turkish origin.advertisementAs PM Modi stated, "This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."INDIA, CYPRUS AND ECONOMIC COOPERATIONCyprus's location makes it a crucial link in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade connectivity between India and Europe through the Middle East.President Christodoulides referred to this during his early May visit to Israel.Recently, Eurobank, one of Cyprus's largest banks, announced plans to open a representative office in Mumbai.The move aims to position Cyprus as a gateway for Indian businesses entering the EU, while also strengthening ties between Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.With a favourable tax regime, robust financial services, and a well-developed shipping industry, Cyprus offers Indian companies a viable entry point into European markets.During his address at the business roundtable in Limassol, PM Modi underlined India's commitment to expanding its economic engagement with Cyprus.advertisementHighlighting growing economic collaboration, PM Modi noted that the Cyprus Stock Exchange and India's National Stock Exchange have agreed to cooperate in GIFT City, Gujarat.CYPRUS'S ROLE IN THE EUCyprus will hold the rotating Presidency of the EU Council in 2026.PM Modi's visit lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration on trade and security, while also potentially leveraging Cyprus's upcoming EU leadership role to push for progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, targeted for completion by the end of 2025.ENERGY AND NATURAL GAS EXPLORATIONCyprus is a key player in Eastern Mediterranean natural gas exploration, an area marked by geopolitical friction, particularly due to Turkey's contested drilling activities.For India, closer ties with Cyprus could open new avenues in energy cooperation, while also reinforcing its presence in a strategically sensitive region.Must Watch
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