Modi arrives in Cyprus on a historic visit, travels to Canada, Croatia
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Cyprus described it as a close friend and important partner in the Mediterranean region and the European Union.
This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the island nation in over two decades.
Modi wrote on his X handle said “Landed in Cyprus. My gratitude to the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will add significant momentum to India-Cyprus relations, especially in areas like trade, investment and more.”
Modi was personally received by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at the airport, according to MEA press release.
Mr. Modi is on his first overseas visit since India launched Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, will be in Cyprus for two days June 15 to 16.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides described the visit as historic, stated the upcoming discussions with Prime Minister Modi will be on significant issues, including connecting India to Europe through Cyprus.
Modi will hold talks with President Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol.
The visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union.
President Christodoulides described Modi’s visit by an Indian prime minister after 20 years, as historic, also noted that during the talks with Prime Minister Modi, a number of important issues will be discussed, underlined that one of the goals of the discussions will be the connection of India with Europe through the Republic of Cyprus.
President Christodoulides also stated that among the issues that will be raised during the discussions will be the situation in the wider region.
India is pursuing an India-Middle East-Europe Corridor trade link by sea and rail, as per MEA and the media reports
The visit will expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, security, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
“One of the objectives of our discussions is the connection of India with Europe through the region of the wider Middle East, (and) its entry into Europe through the Republic of Cyprus,” Christodoulides had according to media reports, told journalists on Sunday.
Modi said that the visit to Cyprus is an opportunity to strengthen historical ties and expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, security, technology and exchanges between peoples, in statements ahead of his departure for Nicosia.
PM will also address business leaders in Limassol, highlighted opportunities for cooperation and growth.
