Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, in Cyprus on June 16, 2025 Photo: PMO via PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and sent an indirect message to Turkiye while renewing India’s support for the unity of Cyprus and “peaceful resolution” of the “Cyprus question”. He also reiterated his call for ending the Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. A joint statement issued at the end of the visit called for “lasting settlement” of the Cyprus question.Cyprus is the first foreign destination that Mr. Modi has visited after the conclusion of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May and sources hinted that the visit is a message to Turkiye that is viewed as a key ally of Pakistan. The joint statement mentioned India’s “unwavering and consistent support for the Independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus”. In an indirect reference to Turkiye’s support to Northern Cyprus, the joint statement said, “Both sides emphasized the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations.” Northern Cyprus, consisting of the north and eastern part of Cyprus, is backed by Turkiye. Mr. Modi toured the divided capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, and parts of Northern Cyprus featured in a photograph of Mr. Modi that was taken during the tour.In remarks to the media, Tanmay Lal, Secretary West, Ministry of External Affairs, further emphasised India’s support for the territorial integrity of Cyprus and said, “The friendship and the trusted partnership between India and Cyprus has a long history. In the 1950s, India had advocated for the Independence of Cyprus. Cyprus supports India for a permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council and India supports Cyprus on the Cyprus question.”The joint statement said, “Cyprus and India expressed their strong commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant United Nations Security Council [UNSC] Resolutions.”Since 1974 Cyprus has been divided between Turkiye-backed Northern Cyprus and the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, and the dispute has been known as the Cyprus question.The visit is also a timely revival of India-Cyprus political contact ahead of Cyprus taking over the Presidency of Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. Cyprus had condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Indicating the deepening cooperation between India and Cyprus at the EU, Mr. Modi said, “Cyprus is a trusted partner of India in the European Union.” Earlier, Cyprus bestowed its highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Macarios III on Mr. Modi. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Modi said, “I dedicate this honour to the friendly ties between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding.”Cyprus has been consistent in its support to India on the Kashmir issue and has been opposing cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. It has also supported India in its campaign for a permanent seat at the UNSC, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In reciprocal gesture, India has supported resolution of Cypriot territorial dispute as per UNSC resolutions, international law and the EU acquis, the collective EU body on laws and regulations.“We expressed concern about the ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia. The negative impact of these conflicts are not limited to these regions alone. We both agree that this is not the age of war. Humanity is calling for an end to these conflicts through dialogue and restoration of stability,” said Mr. Modi who reached Cyprus on Sunday evening on his way to the G-7 summit in Canada. Published - June 16, 2025 03:19 pm IST
