Cyprus’s President Nikos Christodoulides officially welcomed India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Presidential Palace on Monday, marking the culmination of Modi’s two-day official visit to the island nation.
The visit is being described as a historic moment by both Indian and Cypriot diplomatic sources. It underscores a clear political commitment to significantly strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, including the economy, trade, defense, security, technology, tourism, and connectivity.
During the welcoming ceremony, President Christodoulides emphasized that the Joint Declaration adopted on Monday signals a new chapter in Cyprus-India relations, extending to broader European and international levels. He highlighted Cyprus’s role as a “predictable and secure ally” for India in the geostrategically vital Eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East.
Christodoulides also positioned Cyprus as India’s gateway to Europe, affirming that the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, starting January 1, 2026, will actively work to bolster India’s strategic ties with the European Union. President Christodoulides expressed gratitude for India’s long-standing support on the Cyprus issue, particularly its efforts to end the Turkish occupation and reunite the island.
He further affirmed Cyprus’s solidarity with India in confronting international and cross-border terrorism. As a testament to the visit’s significance, Christodoulides bestowed upon Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest distinction of the Republic of Cyprus.
In accepting the honor, PM Modi remarked that the award recognizes India’s rich cultural heritage and the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “The world is one family.”
He humbly dedicated the award to the friendly relations, shared values, and mutual respect between India and Cyprus, viewing it as a symbol of unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of their peoples. Modi expressed confidence that their cooperation would reach new heights, working towards both national prosperity and global peace.
Following the ceremony, extensive talks were held between the delegations of both countries. India is pursuing the so-called India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) trade link by sea and rail, and Cyprus hopes to play a significant role. Cyprus’s maritime connectivity and strategic location make it a potential hub in the IMEC project, which was mooted by India during its G20 Presidency in 2023.
“Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said in a departure statement on Sunday morning.
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