June 16, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, Sunday, June 15th, commenced a significant three-nation foreign tour, with the first leg being a historic visit to Cyprus. This marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the Mediterranean island nation in over two decades, signaling a renewed emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Modi arrived at Larnaca International Airport and was warmly received by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The two leaders immediately engaged in a series of high-level discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors.
Deepening Ties with Cyprus:
During his two-day stay in Cyprus, PM Modi is scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with President Christodoulides in Nicosia today, Monday. The agenda for these discussions is broad, encompassing trade, investment, security, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders participated in a business roundtable in Limassol, Cyprus's commercial hub, where they urged business leaders from both nations to further cement investment, technology, and business linkages. Discussions at the forum focused on newer areas of engagement such as startups, innovation, digital payments (with talks to include Cyprus in India's UPI system), shipping, shipbuilding, and ports.
India and Cyprus share a long-standing friendship rooted in historical connections, with India having supported Cyprus during its struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Cyprus has also been a consistent supporter of India's positions on global platforms, including its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. This visit is seen as a strategic move to build on these historical bonds and expand cooperation, particularly ahead of Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2026.
Ahead to Canada and Croatia:
Following his visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit. Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, this will be PM Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7. At the summit, he is expected to engage with G7 leaders, invited partner nations, and heads of international organizations on pressing global issues, including energy security, emerging technologies, and the AI-energy nexus, with a particular focus on quantum technologies. A key bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is anticipated, offering an opportunity to "reset" India-Canada relations after a period of diplomatic strain.
The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Croatia on June 18th. This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Balkan nation, signaling India's intent to further strengthen ties with European Union members. Meetings with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic are anticipated to explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, innovation, and cultural ties, building on centuries-old cultural links. Croatia is also being seen as a potential partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
In a statement before his departure, PM Modi underscored that the three-nation tour is an opportunity to thank partner countries for their "steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism" and to "galvanize global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." The multi-nation diplomatic outreach underscores India's proactive role in global affairs and its commitment to fostering stronger economic and strategic partnerships across continents.
%20(1).jpg)
0 Comments