PM Modi reached Cyprus, why is this small country special for India, understand its importance in 5 points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation tour. He was warmly welcomed at the airport. This visit is considered very important from a diplomatic point of view, especially at a time when India is strengthening its strategic role on the global stage. This visit of Prime Minister Modi is not just a formality, but is a part of India’s global strategic thinking. Strengthening relations with small but strategically important countries like Cyprus is an important step towards ‘Multi Alliance Diplomacy’ in India’s foreign policy.

Anyway, it is believed that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will bring a change in the relations between New Delhi and Nicosia. Cyprus will take over the presidency of the European Union Council from January 1. It is also certain that PM Modi will sign several agreements with Cyprus. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in two decades. Official talks between President Nikos Christodoulides and Narendra Modi will take place on Monday. PM Modi will be formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan. After being welcomed at Larnaca airport on Sunday, Modi and Christodoulides will attend a meeting of businessmen from Cyprus and India in Limassol. They will then have an informal dinner.

Modi’s visit is taking place at the invitation of Christodoulides. Earlier, President Nicos Anastasiades visited India eight years ago. President Tassos Papadopoulos visited India in 2006. The last time Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Cyprus as an Indian Prime Minister was in 2002.

Will Turkey not be happy with India-Cyprus relationship?
Turkey is not happy with the growing ties with India. Modi has reached Cyprus before going to Canada for the G7 summit. This is the first foreign visit of the Indian Prime Minister after the growing rift with Pakistan. It is being considered important in view of Turkey’s attitude, as Ankara supports Islamabad. After the Pahalgam terror attack, India carried out military action i.e. Operation Sindoor on terrorist camps in Pakistan, during which Turkey openly supported Pakistan.

Turkey does not look favorably upon India’s growing ties with both Greece and Cyprus. Reports in the Turkish press have described these moves as negative for Ankara. In the talks between the delegations of the two countries, apart from Indo-European and Indo-Cyprus relations, the Indian strategic project of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will also be discussed.

Cyprus is preparing to take over the presidency of the European Union Council from the first half of 2026. New Delhi and Nicosia want to strengthen their already close ties. India sees Cyprus as a “bridge” to the EU. Perhaps it also wants to “reward” its supportive stance on the Kashmir issue. Now the question arises, why is Cyprus so important for India? Let us understand the 5 major reasons behind this:

1. Old and trusted political relations
The relations between India and Cyprus have been strong since the 1960s. Cyprus has always understood and supported India’s stand on major issues of India, especially Jammu and Kashmir. Both countries have been active members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

2. Bridge of trade and investment
Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU) and its tax structure attracts investors from India. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is in force between India and Cyprus, which provides tax relief. Many Indian companies use Cyprus as an entry point to the European and West Asian market.

3. Strategic location
Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and falls on the triangle of Europe, West Asia and Africa. It is very important for India from a strategic point of view. Especially in terms of maritime security, energy transportation and diplomatic access.

4. Education and Cultural Linkages
A large number of Indian students are pursuing higher education in Cyprus, especially in medical and hospitality fields. The influence of Indian culture, yoga and Bollywood is growing steadily in Cyprus.

5. Possibilities of Defence and Security Cooperation
The potential for partnership between India and Cyprus in maritime security, cyber security and counter-terrorism cooperation is expected to be boosted.