In a strong signal of India’s increasing engagement with the Mediterranean region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make a brief stopover in Cyprus while travelling to Canada for the G7 Summit.
Sources on Monday indicated that Cyprus is being seriously considered as a refuelling halt during the trip to Alberta, where the G7 Summit will take place from June 15–17.
Officials revealed that PM Modi could also engage in bilateral talks with Cyprus’s leadership during this short stay.
The region has remained tense, with Greece and Cyprus frequently criticising Turkey for its ‘provocative’ actions.
President Erdogan has faced backlash over oil and gas exploration in Greek waters and drilling within Cyprus’s maritime zones.
India’s support on Cyprus issue remains firm
India-Cyprus relations have seen renewed strength under PM Modi’s leadership. India has consistently supported a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation solution in line with UN Resolutions.
PM Modi reiterated India’s historical support in 2017, stating that India firmly backs Cyprus’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
India also contributed to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, with three Indian commanders fondly remembered in the country.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that ties between the nations date back to pre-independence, when India supported Cyprus’s freedom struggle.
Stronger ties in defence, economy and diplomacy
During his 2022 visit to Nicosia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed three major bilateral pacts, including an MoU on defence and military cooperation.
He identified seven future areas of cooperation: finance, shipping, tourism, knowledge economy, mobility, third-country projects, and Mediterranean collaboration.
Jaishankar stated that India’s visibility in the Mediterranean will rise and that the relationship with Cyprus will act as a strong anchor. He added that both nations could collaborate in Africa and other regions with shared historical ties.
Cyprus, in return, continues to support India’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The planned stopover in Cyprus marks yet another step in deepening India-Cyprus relations ahead of the G7 Summit.
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