In a strong diplomatic message to Turkiye, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for the unity and sovereignty of Cyprus, calling for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the decades-old Cyprus question, during his official visit to the Mediterranean country on June 16, 2025.

This visit — PM Modi’s first overseas trip following Operation Sindoor, India’s strategic military response to Pakistan in May — is seen as symbolically significant, especially considering Turkiye’s increasing proximity to Pakistan and its continued support for Northern Cyprus, a region not recognised by the international community.

A Strategic Message to Turkiye

Although no country was directly named, India’s firm language in the joint statement issued alongside Cyprus sends an indirect yet unmistakable message to Turkiye. The statement emphasised the need to “avoid unilateral actions”, a direct allusion to Turkiye’s backing of Northern Cyprus, which has remained a source of regional tension since the island’s division in 1974.

Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkiye, occupies the northern and eastern parts of the island, while the Republic of Cyprus, internationally recognised and a member of the European Union, controls the rest. The Cyprus question refers to this decades-long division, and India has consistently supported its resolution under UN frameworks.

India’s Staunch Support for Cypriot Sovereignty

The joint statement described India’s support as “unwavering and consistent” for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. PM Modi reiterated India’s backing for a resolution in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions, international law, and the EU acquis — the body of common rights and obligations that bind EU members.

The two nations expressed commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality — a formula widely supported by the UN and the EU.

This visit also comes as Cyprus is set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, opening new avenues for India-EU engagement, with Cyprus expected to play a key facilitating role.

PM Modi Honoured with Cyprus' Highest Civilian Award

During the state visit, Cyprus bestowed its highest civilian award, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, on PM Modi. Speaking at the ceremony, PM Modi dedicated the award to the “friendly ties between India and Cyprus”, highlighting shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a long-standing strategic partnership.

“I dedicate this honour to the friendly ties between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding,” said PM Modi during the award ceremony.

A Historical Partnership Strengthened

India and Cyprus share a relationship that stretches back decades. In the 1950s, India strongly supported Cyprus' struggle for independence, and the bond has only grown deeper. According to Tanmay Lal, Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Cyprus continues to back India on key international platforms:

• Support for a permanent seat for India at the United Nations Security Council

• Backing for India’s candidature to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

• Support at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• Consistent stand with India on the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism

India, in return, has consistently reaffirmed its position on Cyprus’s territorial integrity and the resolution of its disputes under UN resolutions and international law.

Modi's Tour of a Divided Nicosia

In a politically significant gesture, PM Modi visited parts of the divided capital Nicosia, with photographs released showing his movement near areas historically disputed between the two communities on the island. The inclusion of parts of Northern Cyprus in these images was viewed by observers as a diplomatic nuance aimed at asserting India’s stand on the indivisibility of the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus, in turn, has reciprocated India’s gestures with clear and consistent support. It recently condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming solidarity with India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.

Operation Sindoor and Strategic Diplomacy

The timing of this visit is crucial. Coming just weeks after India’s Operation Sindoor against terror bases in Pakistan, the choice of Cyprus as the first diplomatic stop post-operation is widely interpreted as a calibrated move.

Analysts suggest that India is using the Cyprus visit to send a strong message to Turkiye, which has routinely criticised India’s actions in Kashmir and has aligned more closely with Pakistan in recent years. Turkiye’s support for Pakistan at international fora — including on Kashmir — has been a sore point in India-Turkiye relations.

By elevating ties with Cyprus — a country at odds with Turkiye over territorial integrity — India is also engaging in counter-diplomacy, strategically positioning itself in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cyprus and India on Global Conflicts

Both countries also addressed broader geopolitical concerns during the visit. PM Modi voiced deep concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The negative impact of these conflicts is not limited to the regions alone. This is not the age of war,” said PM Modi. “Humanity is calling for an end to these conflicts through dialogue and restoration of stability.”

The emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy further underscores India’s emerging role as a global peacemaker, maintaining a delicate balance between strong strategic posturing and commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.

Deepening India-EU Connectivity

As Cyprus prepares to take on a leadership role in the European Union, India is positioning itself to leverage this relationship for greater access and influence within EU policymaking circles. Cyprus could be instrumental in advancing trade talks, supporting India-EU free trade negotiations, and pushing India's global reform agenda at multilateral forums.

The visit, therefore, is not just about bilateral symbolism, but part of a wider geopolitical chessboard, where India is deepening its presence in Europe, countering adversarial narratives, and strengthening ties with like-minded democracies.

Conclusion: A Diplomatic Balancing Act

PM Modi’s Cyprus visit marks more than a revival of bilateral political contact. It is a carefully choreographed diplomatic move, aligning India with countries that support its territorial and strategic concerns, while sending tactical messages to nations like Turkiye and Pakistan.

By reaffirming support for Cyprus’ unity, condemning unilateral actions, and advocating peaceful resolutions in global conflicts, India has positioned itself once again as a responsible global actor — willing to defend sovereignty, oppose terror, and champion diplomacy in a deeply polarised world.

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