Daijiworld Media Network – Larnaca
Larnaca, Jun 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Cyprus the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades was marked by a renewed push to deepen strategic and economic partnerships between the two nations.
During a business roundtable held in Limassol on Sunday, PM Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides engaged with top CEOs to explore collaboration in key sectors like energy, innovation, technology, and fintech. The leaders also reflected on India’s decade-long reform journey and its expanding global economic footprint.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs in order to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus. Sectors like innovation, energy, technology and more offer immense potential.”
President Christodoulides hailed the moment as a “new era of strategic partnership” and called the visit a historic opportunity to “build more bridges” between Cyprus and India.
The Ministry of External Affairs echoed the sentiment, noting the business roundtable witnessed the participation of leading companies from both countries, with discussions ranging from start-ups and AI to shipping and defence.
PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Larnaca International Airport, reflecting the significance of the visit. The two leaders will hold formal talks during the visit, with Modi also set to receive Cyprus’s highest civilian honour — the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
The Indian diaspora welcomed the Prime Minister with emotional chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” while one placard referencing India’s recent counterterrorism move read, “Jai Hind, Operation Sindoor, Justice is Served.”
Cyprus has emerged as a strong diplomatically for India, supporting its stance on global platforms including the United Nations, especially in contrast to Turkey’s criticisms. The visit comes as Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency of the EU Council in 2026, opening new avenues for India-EU cooperation.
The opening of a Eurobank office in Mumbai has further strengthened Cyprus’s bid to become a financial bridge between Europe and South Asia.
The Cyprus stop is part of PM Modi’s three-nation tour, with the next leg being the G7 Summit in Canada.