PM Modi’s Cyprus Visit Marks Strategic Reset in India-EU Ties

In a landmark move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM in over 20 years to visit Cyprus, signaling a renewed geopolitical alignment and deepening India–Cyprus relations. During the high-profile visit to Nicosia, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred upon Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the nation’s highest civilian honour—a symbolic gesture reflecting elevated diplomatic and strategic cooperation.

India–Cyprus Partnership: Deepening Beyond Circumstances

PM Modi emphasized that India’s bond with Cyprus is neither circumstantial nor limited:

“I am confident that in the days ahead, our dynamic partnership will reach new heights. Together, we will help create a peaceful and secure world,” he stated during a joint press appearance.

Cyprus has historically backed India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and global platforms, reinforcing bilateral alignment on core sovereignty and security issues.

Geopolitical Messaging: A Signal to Ankara

Strategic experts see the visit as a calibrated geopolitical signal to Turkey, which has intensified its military and diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including support during recent tensions in Kashmir. Cyprus, in contrast, has stood firmly by India—even promising to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism within the EU.

The timing of Modi’s trip—part of a three-nation tour also covering Canada and Croatia—reflects India’s growing focus on forging regional coalitions with like-minded European nations.

Trade & Tech: India–Cyprus Economic Synergy Grows

The visit also underscored commercial diplomacy, with major announcements:

• Eurobank Cyprus will open a branch in Mumbai, positioning Cyprus as a gateway for Indian businesses into Europe.

• The Cyprus Stock Exchange signed an MoU with NSE International Exchange (GIFT City, Gujarat) to promote capital market connectivity.

• UPI payments are set to expand globally, as NIPL and Eurobank agreed to explore digital payment solutions.

• Modi also announced the launch of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business & Investment Council, focusing on shipping, logistics, aviation, renewables, and digital trade.

“Cyprus Stock Exchange and India’s NSE have come to terms to collaborate in Gujarat’s GIFT City,” Modi highlighted at a business roundtable in Limassol.

Cyprus’s 2026 EU Presidency: A Strategic Window for India

Cyprus is set to assume the EU Council Presidency in early 2026, a critical moment that New Delhi plans to leverage to accelerate the stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement, targeted for completion by late 2025. The visit rejuvenates top-level political engagement as India seeks stronger EU backing on trade, counter-terrorism, and global governance reforms.

PM Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus marks a strategic pivot in India’s Mediterranean diplomacy. From counterbalancing Turkish influence to forging robust trade and fintech cooperation, the trip sets the stage for deeper India-EU engagement—with Cyprus as a key ally.