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First Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Modi's Cyprus gambit: How India is reshaping IMEC, countering Turkey's influence
While Turkey calibrates its regional aspirations, PM Modi's Cyprus overture may well foreshadow a new phase of geopolitical realignment in the eastern Mediterranean read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Cyprus on June 15th (Sunday) as part of the three-nation tour. The second leg of the multi-nations tour would be in Canada for the G7 summit, and the third leg to Croatia. This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister in the last 23 years to Cyprus, after the one by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. During this visit, the Prime Minister is to hold talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders at Limassol. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prime minister Narendra Modi's visit does not appear to be just a routine stop. Through the prima facie terrain screening, it looks like the visit is designed to send a powerful message across the geopolitical chessboard. The visit aims to firmly integrate Cyprus into India's connectivity plans, particularly about the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also subtly redrawing the boundaries for Turkey. A New Delhi-Nicosia Axis: More Than Just Friendship Prime Minister Modi's visit transcended mere camaraderie and marks a significant upgrade in the India-Cyprus strategic partnership. Amidst the world of chaos and strategic positioning, Cyprus remains one of India's time-trusted and dependable friends. Cyprus supports India's permanent membership in the extended United Nations Security Council; vis-à-vis, it has also extended full support to the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which helps India satisfy its energy needs and fosters economic growth and development. The island nation also supports India's position on Kashmir and expressed solidarity with India after a terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, condemning the terrorist attack in unequivocal terms. The visit saw discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The prime minister also highlighted India's recent achievements, such as being one of the fastest-growing economies, a rise in civil aviation, an increase in ease of doing business, and India is destined to be the third-largest economy very soon. The prime minister also mentions that Cyprus is an excellent tourist destination. The most significant development was the inauguration of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council. This trilateral platform is more than merely a business partnership. It is about forgoing new regional dynamics and leveraging collective strength in shipping, renewable energy, civil aviation and digital payment services. The Cypriot president said it is a 'historic visit' and a 'new chapter in a strategic partnership that knows no limits'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cyprus: The Missing Link in the IMEC Puzzle The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was launched on September 9, 2023, during the G20 summit in New Delhi. The IMEC is India's ambitious blueprint for a seamless route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Cyprus' strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean is indispensable for the full potential of IMEC. Cyprus is sitting aside key shipping lanes linking the Suez Canal to European ports. The deep-water harbours of Cyprus, particularly Limassol and Larnaca, are well suited to handle large-scale transhipment, offering a midpoint for cargo moving between IMEC's Gulf and European nodes. The emergence of Cyprus as an energy player with the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves satisfies the IMEC's energy diversification goals. This is also crucial as Europe is looking to reduce dependency on Russian gas. The integration of Cyprus into IMEC is crucial for fortifying the western terminus of the corridor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The IMEC is important for India, as this is the Eurasian alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), extending the benefits of this trade route to South Asia (Pakistan and Bangladesh if future spur routes integrate them), the Middle East, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey if included), and Central Asia (depending on future expansion). However, the proactive engagement of India with Cyprus is not solely driven by economic pragmatism; rather, it carries significant geopolitical implications. The integration of Cyprus into IMEC is a subtle but unequivocal recognition of the Republic of Cyprus's sovereignty and integrity. The alignment of responsible global powers, like India, being a proponent of a rule-based international order sends a powerful global message. The progress of IMEC will give prominence to Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. Redrawing the Lines for Turkey In past years Turkey has deepened its military ties with Pakistan, being the second largest arms supplier to Pakistan after China. Turkey was also the only country among 39 members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to support Pakistan's removal from the grey list. Turkey constantly supports Pakistan's position on Kashmir, and Pakistan reciprocates the same on Ankara's claims on Cyprus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India initiated operation 'Dost' (friend) to aid and rescue victims of disaster, coupled with medical supplies in the wake of the solid earthquakes that jolted Turkey and Syria in 2023. Whereas Turkey called India's calculated, precise and measured response to the Pahalgam terror attack 'provocative' and supported Pakistan's call for an investigation into the April 22 terrorist attack, despite knowing India has rejected Pakistan's demand for a joint investigation, learning from the experience of the Pathankot Airbase attack. The posturing of Turkey has not been taken well by New Delhi. Brahma Chellaney, an Indian geostrategist and professor of strategic studies at the Centre for Policy Research, writes, 'Turkey is likely to view Modi's visit to gas-rich Cyprus as a signal of India deepening ties with Ankara's regional rivals, including Greece, Armenia and Egypt'. The prime minister's visit to Cyprus is a subtle signal to Turkey on its growing alignment with Pakistan and constant criticism of India on the issue of Kashmir. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has always dismissed IMEC, stating no major trade corridor can bypass Turkey. By bolstering IMEC through Cyprus, India is directly challenging Turkey's claim of indispensability in East-West connectivity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The strategic embrace of Cyprus allows India to counterbalance Turkey's growing regional influence. India, by strengthening its relations with Turkey's regional rivals, including Greece, Armenia, Egypt, and now Cyprus, is reshaping the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean. India's proactive engagement with Cyprus underscores a clear intent to play a significant role in shaping IMEC and signals to Turkey its intent to recalibrate regional geopolitics. By deepening ties with Nicosia, Delhi bolsters IMEC's viability, subtly challenging Ankara's assertive posturing in the Eastern Mediterranean. The diplomatic gambit underscores India's role as a proactive architect in Eurasian connectivity. While Turkey calibrates its regional aspirations, Modi's Cyprus overture may well foreshadow a new phase of geopolitical realignment in the eastern Mediterranean. Suhasini is an Assistant Professor at Bennett University (Times of India Group) and Pranjal Chaturvedi is a Doctoral Research Fellow at Bennett University. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM conferred with Cyprus' highest civilian honour
Nicosia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country's highest civilian honour. "Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the PM said after receiving the award. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the award on the Prime Minister. The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III. Dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, Modi said it was an award to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship. 'I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure world,' the Prime Minister said. Modi is in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. From Cyprus, he will travel to Canada to attend the G7 summit, and then to Croatia.
India Gazette
17-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"We look forward to closer people-to-people relations with Cyprus": PM Modi concludes landmark visit with gratitude and top honour
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a significant visit to Cyprus by expressing gratitude to President Nikos Christodoulides for a guided tour of Nicosia, and voiced optimism for stronger people-to-people ties. PM Narendra Modi tweeted, 'I thank President Christodoulides for showing me parts of the historic city of Nicosia. We look forward to closer people-to-people relations with Cyprus!' The visit has paved the way for a new era in India-Cyprus relations, with both countries poised to unlock new opportunities in innovation, investment, and trade. The partnership is expected to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, with Cyprus potentially serving as a gateway to Europe for Indian businesses. Marking a key moment in the visit, Prime Minister Modi was honoured with the prestigious 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' by President Christodoulides, a gesture that recognised his role in strengthening ties between the two nations and further underscored the warmth and depth of India-Cyprus relations. 'The conferment of 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' on PM @narendramodi by President @Christodulides of Cyprus is a testimony to his personal contribution to our relationship. Confident that the award and a very successful visit to Cyprus heralds a new era in our longstanding ties,' External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X. As part of the visit, Modi and Christodoulides also explored the cultural heart of Nicosia together, further reinforcing the bond between the two countries. 'PM @narendramodi was accompanied by President @Christodulides on a walk through the historic heart of Nicosia -- a city standing firm and resilient in its onward march, reflective of the indomitable spirit of the proud people of Cyprus,' Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, wrote on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues on Monday with the two countries expressing their commitment to deepening cooperation 'as trusted and indispensable partners'. A Joint Declaration made after talks between PM Modi and Cyprus President reaffirmed the strategic bond between the two countries with the two leaders agreeing that an Action Plan is to be prepared in order to guide bilateral relations for the next five years. PM Modi's visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, marked a historic milestone and reaffirmed the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations. 'The visit celebrates not only a shared history, but a forward-looking partnership, rooted in a joint strategic vision and mutual trust and respect,' the declaration said. During his visit, PM Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides held wide-ranging talks, covering areas such as defense and security, strengthening defense ties, with a focus on maritime security and cyber security cooperation; trade and technology, enhancing trade relations, with a goal to finalize an India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025, and exploring opportunities in fintech and digital services; healthcare and renewable energy, cooperating in healthcare and renewable energy sectors, with a focus on sustainable development and climate justice; cultural linkages, deepening cultural ties, with a growing interest in yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus and tourism, exploring the rich potential for tourism cooperation between the two countries. A 5-year action plan was agreed upon to guide bilateral relations, focusing on trade, defense, and technology cooperation. Both leaders expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which will boost peace and prosperity in the region. The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Cyprus Stock Exchange will collaborate in Gujarat's GIFT City, promoting economic ties. (ANI)
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Modi pitches India's growth story in Cyprus
Nicosia/Limassol: India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, highlighting myriad economic opportunities the country offers to companies from Cyprus. Modi, who is in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour, made the remarks as he, along with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, attended a business roundtable on Sunday, in Limassol, a city on the southern coast of Cyprus. 'The Prime Minister highlighted India's rapid economic transformation in the last 11 years and noted that the country, propelled by next-generation reforms, policy predictability, stable polity and Ease of Doing Business, has become the fastest-growing major economy in the world,' the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said in a statement. Emphasising the primacy being given to innovation, digital revolution, start-ups and futuristic infrastructure development, Modi expressed confidence that India, the fourth largest economy in the world, was well positioned to become the third largest in a few years' time. 'India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. India is one of the biggest emerging economies. We have implemented tax reforms, Goods and Services Tax, rationalised corporate tax, decriminalised laws, and are focussing on 'trust of doing business', along with ease of doing business,' the PM said. He said that steady growth in India's civil aviation, port, shipbuilding, digital payments and green development sectors has opened myriad opportunities for companies from Cyprus to partner with India, according to the statement. 'For the first time in 23 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited Cyprus, and the first event that has been organised is the business roundtable meeting. This shows the importance of business leaders in the India-Cyprus relationship,' the Prime Minister said. He also underlined the strengths of India's skilled talent and start-up ecosystem and highlighted manufacturing, AI, quantum, semiconductor and critical minerals as new and emerging areas contributing to India's growth story. 'You all (business leaders) are aware of India's talent and demographic dividend. In the last 10 years, a digital revolution has taken place in India. Around 50% of the world's digital transactions take place in India, thanks to the Unified Payments Interface or UPI. Countries like France are associated with this, and talks are also under way with Cyprus for this, and I welcome this move,' he said. Prime Minister Modi noted that Cyprus was a significant economic partner for India, particularly in the Foreign Direct Investment sector and welcomed the keen interest in Cyprus for new investments into the Indian economy. PM Modi highlighted the 'immense potential for growth' in bilateral ties. Cyprus has been a 'reliable partner to India for a long time now,' he said.
Canada Standard
17-06-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
PM Modi completes successful Cyprus visit; emplanes for Canada
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his visit to Cyprus and has now emplaned for Canada where he will be attending the G7 Summit. Prime Minister will travel to Canada's Kananaskis to attend the G7 Summit on June 16-17. This will be PM Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit. Upon the conclusion of PM Modi's visit, MEA Secretary (West), Tanmay Lal delivered comprehensive remarks. Noting that the visit was the first visit to Cyprus by Prime Minister Modi and the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, he said, 'This landmark visit highlights the enduring friendship and trusted partnership between our two countries.' 'In his remarks to the media, Prime Minister Modi spoke of the strategic direction of the India-Cyprus partnership. Our partnership also assumes importance in the larger context of the India-EU strategic partnership and India's growing engagement with the Mediterranean region,' he added. Noting that the Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Macarios III, Ranmay Lal said, 'This is the highest honour bestowed by Cyprus on foreign heads of government.' Lal noted that the leaders discussed trade and investment, defence, fintech, maritime and shipping, connectivity including IMEC initiative, mobility, and people-to-people ties. He said that the visit took place 'against the backdrop of serious global challenges. The leaders discussed various pressing regional and global conflicts and issues. Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the steadfast support of Cyprus to India in its fight against the cross-border terrorism. Cyprus takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of next year. This comes at a time when there is strong interest in significantly enhancing the India-EU strategic partnership. The leaders exchange views on this strategic partnership, including the ongoing India-EU-FTA negotiations'. Describing India-Cyprus ties, Lal said, 'The friendship and the trusted partnership between India and Cyprus has a long history. In 1950s, India had advocated for the independence of Cyprus. Later, the two countries worked together in the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth. Both countries have supported each other on issues of core interest to either side at multilateral fora, especially at the United Nations. Cyprus supports India for a permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. and India supports Cyprus on the Cyprus issue, the Cyprus question. After the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, our external affairs minister and the foreign minister of Cyprus have been in regular contact.' Highlighting the importance of Cyprus, Secretary (West) said, 'With its strategic location, Cyprus can act as a gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean.' In his concluding remarks, Lal said, 'To sum up, this historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Cyprus has provided stimulus and a strategic direction to the partnership between our two countries as important. and trusted partners.' The G7 Summit is an international forum held annually for the leaders of the G7 member states of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada and the European Union (EU). (ANI)
