Chants Of ‘Vande Mataram’ Greet PM Modi In Historic Cyprus Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday, receiving a ceremonial welcome from President Nikos Christodoulides at Larnaca International Airport.

This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in over 20 years, signifying a revitalised Indo-Cypriot partnership and strategic cooperation.

The Indian community warmly greeted PM Modi, gathering in large numbers and chanting patriotic slogans such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.

A notable placard among the crowd read, ‘Jai Hind, Operation Sindoor, Justice is Served’, referencing India’s recent anti-terror operation and reflecting deep emotional support from overseas Indians.

The Prime Minister shared a video of this moment on his official X account, underlining the significance of diaspora engagement.

Strengthening strategic ties

The visit comes at a pivotal time as Cyprus is set to assume the presidency of the European Union Council in early 2026.

PM Modi’s presence underlines India’s intention to deepen its engagement with both the Mediterranean region and the European Union.

Prime Minister Modi and President Christodoulides plan to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, drive digital innovation, upgrade infrastructure, and expand higher education partnerships.

PM Modi’s two-day tour includes bilateral talks, participation in a business roundtable in Limassol, and the acceptance of Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.

The Cypriot leadership reiterated its commitment to a partnership ‘that knows no limits’, indicating strong alignment on both bilateral and multilateral fronts.

Cyprus has consistently supported India on the global stage, particularly on issues such as cross-border terrorism.

Unlike Turkey, which has recently criticised India’s internal policies, Cyprus has emerged as a reliable ally, vocally supporting India’s global ambitions, including at the United Nations.

Economic & cultural bridges

Cyprus’s recent decision to open a Eurobank representative office in Mumbai is a step towards establishing stronger financial linkages between Europe and South Asia.

This reflects the growing confidence in India’s economic potential and its role as a global partner.

After Cyprus, PM Modi will proceed to Canada to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, where he will interact with global leaders on pressing international issues and voice the concerns of the Global South.

On 18 June, he will visit Croatia, the first by any Indian Prime Minister, for talks with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

PM Modi described the tour as an opportunity to strengthen friendships, advance bilateral cooperation, and rally global consensus against terrorism.

Also Read: PM Modi Lands In Cyprus, Received At Airport By President Christodoulides