Modi to Visit Cyprus Amid Rising Turkiye-Pakistan Tensions and Geopolitical Shift
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Cyprus on June 15, 2025, during his trip to the G7 Summit, marking a rare high-level diplomatic engagement. The visit aims to strengthen ties amid tensions with Turkiye and Pakistan, focusing on defense collaboration and addressing counter-terrorism efforts. Modi’s discussions are likely to include plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The visit also underlines Cyprus’s role as a strategic partner in India’s geopolitical interests.
On June 15, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a significant stop in Cyprus during his trip to the G7 Summit in Canada. This visit is notably the third by an Indian prime minister to the Mediterranean island, signaling a shift in India’s diplomatic focus amid rising tensions with the Turkiye-Pakistan alliance. Following his stop in Cyprus, Modi will also visit Croatia, which emphasizes India’s intent to strengthen geopolitical ties in the region.
The backdrop of Modi’s visit is tied closely to India’s strained relations with Turkiye, largely due to Ankara’s staunch support of Pakistan, especially regarding the issue of Kashmir. This relationship grew even more complex after India’s Operation Sindoor in May, aimed at dismantling terror networks in Pakistan. The geopolitical dynamics thus place Cyprus as a crucial ally, given its historical opposition to Pakistan-linked terrorism, making this visit a strategic maneuver as tensions escalate in South Asia.
Cyprus has been a solid supporter of India in various global discussions, notably regarding counter-terrorism. The nation has raised issues like the Pahalgam terror attack during European Union discussions, aligning itself with India’s narrative against Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism. With Modi’s visit, India aims to reaffirm this collaboration and bolster its efforts to combat cross-border terrorism, particularly impressing upon the international community the ramifications of Pakistan’s terror links.
Cyprus is about to take on the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026, which makes Modi’s visit not just timely but also strategically significant for deepening India-EU relations. Cyprus has supported India’s aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and its membership in key international nuclear agreements. In exchange, India supports Cyprus’s position regarding its long-standing territorial dispute with Turkiye, creating a strong foundation for future cooperation.
Defense and technology are highlighted areas for future growth in the collaboration between India and Cyprus. Both nations are keen on maritime security and counter-terrorism, and Modi’s discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides are anticipated to address defense partnerships and technology transfers. These discussions could set the groundwork for future joint military exercises and shared security initiatives.
Moreover, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) plays a crucial role in this dialogue. Launched during the 2023 G20 Summit, IMEC aims to create enhanced connectivity through a network of ports and railways, resembling China’s Belt and Road Initiative but geared towards India’s economic interests. Cyprus, positioned strategically in the eastern Mediterranean, could become a pivotal player in facilitating trade under IMEC, enhancing its role in India’s economic visions.
By visiting Cyprus, Modi not only counters Turkiye’s support for Pakistan but also builds alliances with other nations like Greece and Armenia, all of which have complex relationships with Turkiye. Highlighting defense and technological partnerships could also serve to strengthen ties with other regional players, reinforcing India’s position on the geopolitical chessboard without direct confrontations.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Cyprus represents a decisive step in India’s evolving foreign policy, marking an effort to strengthen alliances against the backdrop of Turkiye and Pakistan’s growing ties. This visit underscores a shared commitment between India and Cyprus to combat terrorism, while also addressing broader concerns about regional stability in the Mediterranean. The collaboration will likely pave the way for enhanced defense partnerships and collaborations within the framework of the IMEC, thereby deepening India’s footprint in Europe and beyond.
Original Source: resonantnews.com
