PM Modi’s Cyprus Visit Sends Strategic Signal to Turkey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus on June 15–16 has not only revived diplomatic ties but also signaled a strategic counter to Turkey’s growing alliance with Pakistan. This was the first Indian prime ministerial visit to the Mediterranean island in over 20 years, coinciding with Modi’s broader Europe tour, including stops in Canada for the G7 Summit and Croatia.

Amid rising regional tensions in West Asia and recent airspace restrictions over Israel and Iran, Modi’s rerouted flight path to Cyprus further highlighted the island's geopolitical significance. Located at the southeastern frontier of the EU, Cyprus is seen as a gateway to Europe and a vital player in India’s reoriented Mediterranean strategy.

The visit gains added importance in light of Operation Sindoor and Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan. Turkey’s support for Islamabad in multilateral forums, and its alleged drone involvement in regional unrest, have pushed India to strengthen ties with Turkey’s traditional adversaries—Cyprus and Greece.

India has long backed a peaceful, UN-mediated resolution to the Cyprus dispute and continues to advocate for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. During the visit, key economic agreements were signed, including enabling India’s UPI payment system in Cyprus through Eurobank partnerships, opening the door for cross-border fintech integration.

Modi’s speech emphasized Cyprus as a valuable economic and political partner, especially in foreign investments and financial services. The Indian diaspora in Cyprus and Eurobank officials welcomed the initiative, which is expected to foster deeper business and strategic ties. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides hailed the visit as the beginning of a “new chapter” in Indo-Cypriot relations. This diplomatic engagement sends a clear message to Turkey and boosts India’s influence in the Mediterranean region.

Welcome to Cyprus Prime Minister @narendramodi!

Here, at the EU’s southeastern frontier and gateway of the Mediteranean

A historic visit

A new chapter in a strategic partnership that knows no limits

We make a promise to advance, transform, prosper more. Together

🇨🇾🇮🇳🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/jXex0jnts9
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) June 15, 2025