(Forelines) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to the island nation of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time), in a major diplomatic gesture. India’s increasing emphasis on fortifying its connections with European allies is reflected in the visit, which is regarded as a significant stopover before the G7 Summit in Canada, according to ANI Report.
Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus, gave PM Modi a formal welcome at Larnaca International Airport. Diplomatic sources in Cyprus and India are calling his visit a historic event, as per the report.
“Landed in Cyprus. My gratitude to the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will add significant momentum to India-Cyprus relations, especially in areas like trade, investment and more,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
As per ANI report, Indian Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet with the president of Cyprus at the delegation level while there. Expanding collaboration in trade and investment, IT and innovation, defense, shipping, renewable energy, and people-to-people relationships are among the main topics on the agenda. It is also anticipated that the two leaders will discuss regional and international issues, such as West Asian affairs and maritime security.
President Nicos Christodoulides invited PM Modi to visit Cyprus, and he will be joined by a sizable group of about 100 officials, ANI added in a report.
The Indian diaspora in Cyprus was giddy with anticipation for PM Modi’s eagerly awaited visit before he even arrived, reported by ANI.
According to ANI, Strong diplomatic ties have existed between India and Cyprus since their founding in 1962. Cyprus has continuously backed India’s stance on Kashmir and other important issues in the UN and other international platforms
Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to speak to and engage with members of the Indian diaspora in Cyprus in addition to attending formal gatherings. Despite their small numbers, the Indian population is very important to the local economic, healthcare, and education sectors.
India’s changing foreign policy stance, which aims to forge closer ties with smaller but geopolitically important countries throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, is thought to include the Cyprus visit as a strategic element.