The visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Republic of Cyprus marks the first time in over 20 years that an Indian leader has travelled to Cyprus. Geopolitical analysts interpret this as a significant message to “Neo-Sultan” Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, indicating that India intends to enhance its strategic influence in proximity to Türkiye.
On July 20, 1974, Türkiye launched an invasion of Cyprus, breaching numerous international laws, including the United Nations Charter. The Turkish invasion occurred in two stages. In the second stage, Türkiye seized control of the city of Famagusta and has since illegally occupied more than 36 per cent of the Republic of Cyprus’s territory.
Consequently, 162,000 Greek-Cypriots were forced to abandon their homes, becoming refugees within their own nation due to the Turkish military invasion and occupation. The occupying forces continue to obstruct the return of these refugees to their properties and homes. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and PM Modi, in Cyprus, observed the mountains near Nicosia that remain under Turkish control.
A shared history of struggle and solidarity
Given their historical context and conflicts with neighbouring countries, India and Cyprus have maintained a close geopolitical relationship for an extended period.
In New Delhi, there is a notable road named “Archbishop Makarios Marg,” which honours the First President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, who valued the assistance India provided to the Cypriot fight against British colonialism. The highest civilian award in Cyprus, “the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,” is named in his honour. Recently, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, bestowed this honour upon Modi. On February 10, 1997, the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, welcomed the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, and his Indian-origin wife, Lilla-Irene Clerides, during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Clerides’ father, Dr. Abraham Erulkar, served as Mahatma Gandhi’s physician during many of his fasts and was a founder of the Jewish Nationalist Party, which was linked to the Indian National Congress.
His brother, David, defended Indian freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak during the 1916 sedition trial. Both brothers were passionate Indian nationalists. Diplomatic relations between Cyprus and India were established two years after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule, on February 10, 1962. India has consistently supported a resolution to the Cyprus issue based on UNSC resolutions, international law, and the EU acquis. India advocates for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation as a solution to the Cyprus problem, in line with UN resolutions. The Republic of Cyprus has backed India in various international forums and remains one of India’s reliable allies, supporting India’s bid for permanent membership in the expanded UN Security Council.
Countering Turkish–Pakistani alignment
In the recent conflict involving India and Pakistan, Türkiye expressed its full support for its ally Pakistan, a nation known for employing terrorism as a tool of foreign policy. Ankara provided over 350 drones and sent military personnel to assist Islamabad during its four-day clash with India. Pakistan has consistently backed Türkiye regarding the Cyprus issue. Recently, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, “I expressed my sincerest gratitude to my dear brother President Erdogan for Türkiye’s unwavering support on the Kashmir issue and reiterated our support to the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In New Delhi, there is a notable road named “Archbishop Makarios Marg,” which honours the First President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, who valued the assistance India provided to the Cypriot fight against British colonialism. The highest civilian award in Cyprus, “the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,” is named in his honour.
Conversely, New Delhi has reaffirmed its “unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.”
In a meeting with the President of Cyprus, PM Modi expressed gratitude for Cyprus’s strong condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, as well as for the solidarity and support offered to India in its battle against terrorism. This highlights the strong commitment of both nations to combat terrorism. The two parties agreed to create a five-year roadmap to enhance cooperation in strategic sectors. They also decided to initiate dialogues on cyber and maritime security and to establish a mechanism for real-time information exchange regarding terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. The leaders acknowledged the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed in January 2025, which aims to solidify the defence partnership between the two nations.
Forging a strategic and economic future
India and Cyprus have committed to enhancing their economic ties. During a meeting with business leaders from both nations in Limassol, the Prime Minister of India and the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed their approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the NSE International Exchange GIFT CITY in Gujarat and the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Additionally, NIPL (NPCI International Payments Limited) and Eurobank Cyprus have agreed to implement UPI for cross-border transactions, which will benefit both tourists and businesses. The Prime Minister also endorsed the establishment of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council, aimed at promoting trilateral collaboration in areas such as shipping, logistics, renewable energy, civil aviation, and digital services.
He acknowledged that many Indian firms view Cyprus as a gateway to Europe and a hub for IT services, financial management, and tourism. Cyprus has committed to advancing the EU–India strategic partnership during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026. Both parties expressed their willingness to support the finalisation of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year, recognising its considerable economic and strategic importance. They also voiced support for ongoing initiatives through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council and pledged to maintain a progressive agenda beyond the 2025 Strategic Roadmap to strengthen this vital global partnership. Furthermore, they welcomed the formation of the India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council to enhance economic collaboration. The two leaders also discussed improving air connectivity to bolster business, tourism, knowledge, and innovation ties. The Prime Minister highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) would play a role in fostering peace and prosperity in the region.
Prime Minister Modi and President Christodoulides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the reform of global governance institutions, including the reform of the UN Security Council. The Indian PM expressed his appreciation to the President of Cyprus for reiterating Cyprus’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC and exchanged views on global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. The Prime Minister invited President Christodoulides to visit India.
During this visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish an India Studies Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair at the University of Nicosia.
After the meeting, a Joint Declaration on the India-Cyprus Partnership was released. On one hand, New Delhi has bolstered its relations with Ankara’s eastern neighbour, Armenia, while on the other hand, it has enhanced its ties with Cyprus, which holds a significant position in the Mediterranean Sea and is adjacent to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a self-declared state recognised solely by Ankara. PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus demonstrates his readiness to confront Turkish expansionism, even in the Mediterranean.
*Arunansh B. Goswami is Neos Kosmos’s India Correspondent. He is a legal advocate and historian who contributes opinions and travelogues.
