PM Visit To Cyprus

Syllabus: GS2/IR

In News

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the country in over 20 years.

Cyprus – It is an island in the eastern Mediterranean near Turkey and Syria, is a European Union member despite being geographically in Asia.  – It gained independence from Britain in 1960, but tensions between its Greek and Turkish communities led to violence and the deployment of UN peacekeepers.  – In 1974, a coup by Greek Cypriots to unite with Greece prompted a Turkish invasion.  – Although the government in Nicosia was restored, Turkish forces remained, and the island’s northeast declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Strategic Roadmap: A five-year strategic roadmap will be developed to steer bilateral cooperation.
  • Alignment between Cyprus Vision 2035 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 — both aiming for inclusive, tech-driven, sustainable development.
• Economic & Trade Relations: India-Cyprus-Greece Business & Investment Council launched earlier in 2025.
  • PM Modi emphasized India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) — target: by end of 2025.
• Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III: PM Modi was awarded Cyprus’ highest civilian honour.
  • Named after Cyprus’ first President, it is awarded to heads of state and leaders of merit.

Historical Linkages 

• India and the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) share a long-standing relationship built on friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation, particularly in international forums.
• Diplomatic ties were established in 1962, two years after Cyprus gained independence. 
• The bond was rooted in shared ideals championed by leaders like Archbishop Makarios and Jawaharlal Nehru, both pioneers of the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Cyprus is among the top 10 investors in India with cumulative investments of USD 14.65 Billion during April 2000 – March 2025 .

International fora

• They continue to align closely on major global issues and collaborate actively in the UN, Commonwealth, and other platforms.
• India supports a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus issue based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and EU principles, advocating for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.
•  In return, the Republic of Cyprus has been a dependable ally, backing India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and supporting the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement within the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aiding India’s energy and economic growth.

Economic and Commercial Relations

• India and Cyprus have steadily strengthened their economic and commercial ties, focusing on boosting bilateral trade and investment. 
• Key Indian exports to Cyprus include pharmaceuticals, textiles, iron & steel, ceramics, machinery, and chemicals, while Cyprus exports pharmaceuticals, beverages, and manufactured goods to India.
  • Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral trade in 2023–24 reached USD 137 million.

Defence Ties

• India and the Republic of Cyprus have strengthened their defence cooperation through key agreements. 
• An MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed in December 2022 during the Indian External Affairs Minister’s visit to Cyprus, followed by the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) for 2025 in January 2025.

Culture 

• India and Cyprus share strong cultural ties rooted in shared values and traditions. A Cultural Cooperation Agreement was signed in 1980, and both nations regularly exchange cultural groups and host events like National Days and International Day of Yoga in Cyprus.
  • Symbolizing mutual respect, India named an avenue in New Delhi after Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus.

Importance 

• Cyprus is considered a strong and dependable ally of India, supporting its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and backing the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. 
• Strategically, Cyprus is vital to India as part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and will hold the EU Council Presidency in 2026, enhancing its importance in India’s efforts to strengthen trade and security ties with Europe.
• Cyprus has long-standing tensions with Turkey (a vocal ally of Pakistan). India’s deepening Cyprus ties subtly counterbalance Turkish lobbying against India at the OIC and UN.

Source :IE