Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday for a two-day official visit, marking the first trip by an Indian head of government to the Mediterranean nation in more than 20 years. The visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and security while reinforcing Cyprus’s role as a bridge between India and the European Union.
Modi was personally welcomed at Larnaca Airport by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who later joined him for a business forum in Limassol and an informal working dinner. The two leaders are scheduled to hold formal talks on Monday at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where they are expected to sign multiple cooperation agreements.
The visit follows an invitation from Christodoulides and comes eight years after then-Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades traveled to India. The last Indian prime minister to visit Cyprus was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002.
Cyprus, which is set to assume the rotating EU Council presidency in early 2026, views India as a key partner in trade and diplomacy. New Delhi, in turn, sees Cyprus as a strategic gateway to Europe, particularly given its supportive stance on issues such as Kashmir.
Discussions between the two sides will also touch on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting connectivity and trade across regions.
Modi’s stop in Cyprus precedes his attendance at the G7 Summit in Canada, where he is expected to address global security challenges, including counterterrorism. The visit carries added significance amid Turkey’s regional activities and its strained relations with both Cyprus and India. Ankara has viewed New Delhi’s growing ties with Greece and Cyprus with suspicion, with Turkish media criticizing the alignment as unfavorable to its interests.
Before departing for Canada, Modi will tour the ceasefire line in Nicosia—a symbolic gesture underscoring India’s support for Cyprus amid its long-standing division. The visit concludes with an official lunch at the Presidential Palace.
In a statement ahead of his trip, Modi described Cyprus as a “close friend and important partner” in the Mediterranean and EU, emphasizing the visit as an opportunity to expand historical ties.
Following his engagements in Cyprus and Canada, Modi will travel to Croatia for meetings with President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, furthering India’s diplomatic outreach in Europe.