Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III on Monday. It is considered as the highest honour in Cyprus. After receiving the honour, PM Modi dedicated this award to the “friendship” between the two countries. “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.

PM Modi in Cyprus: Why is this trip important?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian PM to visit Cyprus in over two decades. His visit is being seen as a clear message to Turkey, which has occupied the northern part of the island since 1974 and supported Pakistan during the recent Operation Sindoor. This is Modi’s first foreign trip since the conflict with Pakistan.

ALSO READ

The visit is important for several reasons — strategic, diplomatic, economic, and political. It shows that Cyprus now holds a bigger place in India’s foreign policy plans

First Visit in Over 20 Years

This is only the third time an Indian PM has visited Cyprus in the last 40 years. Earlier visits were by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. Modi’s visit signals a fresh interest in building stronger ties with the island nation.

Sending a Message to Turkey

The visit is also a strategic signal to Turkey, which appears to have grown closer to Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, Turkey backed Pakistan, which led to public anger in India and calls to boycott Turkish products.

Cyprus, on the other hand, has always stood with India. After a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, Cyprus condemned the act and said it would raise the issue of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the EU level. Modi’s visit underlines India’s support for Cyprus in its long-standing dispute with Turkey.

Cyprus as a Key Gateway to Europe

Cyprus is located in a very strategic part of the eastern Mediterranean, close to Turkey and Syria. Though it lies in Asia, it is part of the European Union (EU). This makes it a strong entry point for India into European markets.

One of Cyprus’s biggest banks, Eurobank, is opening an office in Mumbai. This is expected to boost business links between India, Europe, and nearby regions like the Middle East and Africa.

Part of India-Middle East-Europe Corridor

Cyprus is part of the planned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi’s visit is meant to strengthen Cyprus’s role in this corridor, which aims to boost trade and connectivity between Asia and Europe.

Boosting India-EU Relations

Cyprus will lead the EU Council in 2026. Modi’s visit is also meant to build stronger India-EU relations with Cyprus’s help. This comes at a time when India is aiming to finalise a free trade agreement with the EU by the end of 2025. Cyprus could play an important role in supporting India’s interests in Europe.

Economic and Investment Partnerships

Cyprus is an important investor in India and benefits from a tax treaty with India (DTAA). During his visit, Modi met business leaders in Limassol where he spoke about India’s growing economy and invited Cypriot companies to invest in areas like tech, energy, innovation, and digital infrastructure, reported PTI.

ALSO READ

Energy Security and Natural Gas Cooperation

Cyprus is exploring natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean—a region of high tension due to Turkish activities. India is interested in working with Cyprus on energy partnerships as part of its effort to secure more energy sources from around the world.

PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus is more than just a diplomatic trip. It carries strategic, political, and economic importance. From strengthening ties with a key EU country to sending a clear message to Turkey and Pakistan, this visit helps India build deeper ties in the Mediterranean and beyond.