Modi, Cyprus President Call For Peace Amid Global Conflicts

On his visit to the island nation, Mr Modi termed the conferring of the award as “a seal of the unbreakable friendship between India and Cyprus” and pointed out that the “friendship between India and Cyprus is neither made by circumstances, nor bound by boundaries”.

Modi said he and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides “expressed concern” over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, and they both agree that “this is not an era of war”. His visit to Cyprus assumes significance in the wake of the island nation's strained ties with Turkiye.

In a veiled but strong message aimed at both Pakistan and its close friend Turkey, which had supported Islamabad during Operation Sindoor last month, India and Cyprus also “reiterated support for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other” and also condemned “cross-border terrorism”.

The two leaders also “appreciated the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme signed in January this year, which would give concrete shape to the defence partnership between the two countries”, with emphasis on defence industry cooperation.

It may be recalled that after tension between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots way back in 1974, Turkey had then helped Cypriot Turks take over one-third of the island, which is not recognised globally except by few countries, including Turkey and Pakistan. Cyprus has traditionally been a close friend of India and has strained ties with Turkey. New Delhi has consistently lent its support for the territorial integrity of Cyprus.

At the Presidential Palace on Monday, Mr Modi and President Christodoulides held “comprehensive talks, including on trade and investment, science and research, cultural cooperation and people-to-people ties, and explored avenues for collaboration in the new areas of fintech, start-ups, defence industry, connectivity, innovation, digitalisation, AI and mobility”. They also decided to conclude a “Mobility Agreement” soon and the two sides “will work to finalise a Mobility Pilot Programme Arrangement” by the end of this year. Mr Modi “emphasised that the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor [IMEC] would contribute towards peace and prosperity in the region”, and both leaders also “welcomed the establishment of the India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council to deepen economic engagement”, besides discussing “enhancing air connectivity to strengthen business, tourism, knowledge and innovation linkages”.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister said: “We attach great importance to our relations with Cyprus. Shared belief in values like democracy and rule of law are the strong foundations of our partnership. It (the bilateral friendship) has been tested time and again. And in every phase of time, we have kept these feelings of cooperation, respect and support alive. We respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The two sides later stated: “Acknowledging emerging challenges within the international security environment, the leaders stressed the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy, defence readiness, and defence capabilities. They agreed to deepen their defence and security cooperation, including through collaboration between their respective defence industries, with a special focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Recognising both India and Cyprus as maritime nations with deep-rooted naval traditions, the leaders also discussed expanding cooperation to include the maritime domain. They will encourage more regular port calls by Indian naval vessels and explore opportunities for joint maritime training and exercises to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional security.”

An MoU to “establish an India Studies ICCR Chair at the University of Nicosia was signed during this visit”. Cyprus is a member of the powerful European Union and will take over the EU presidency next year. The Prime Minister invited President Christodoulides to visit India and said: “Cyprus is our trusted partner in the European Union. We wish Cyprus all the best for its EU presidency next year. We are confident that under your presidency, new dimensions will be added to India-EU relations.” Cyprus’ role as a “gateway into Europe” was also recognised by India. Cyprus also “pledged to work towards the advancement of the EU-India strategic partnership” during its presidency and “both sides expressed readiness to support the conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year”.

Mr Modi also thanked Cyprus for its strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 and the solidarity and support extended to India in its fight against terrorism, while he also “reiterated India’s support for Cyprus’ unity and for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the European Union (EU) Acquis”. A joint statement put out by both sides said: “Cyprus and India expressed their strong commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, both sides emphasized the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations.”

Mr Modi “thanked President Christodoulides for reiterating Cyprus’s support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council”, and also exchanged views on global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. Mr Modi pointed out that the negative impact of these conflicts “is not limited to that region alone (and that) we both believe that this is not the era of war”, adding that “solutions through dialogue and restoration of stability are the calls of humanity”.

“After a gap of more than two decades, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Cyprus. And this is a golden opportunity to write a new chapter in mutual relations. … There is similarity in many aspects of Cyprus’ ‘Vision 2035’ and the vision of ‘Developed India 2047’. That is why we will shape the future together. To give strategic direction to our partnership, we will prepare a concrete roadmap for the next five years. … To further strengthen defence and security cooperation, emphasis will be laid on defence industry under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme,” the PM said. “Mutual cooperation in areas such as technology, innovation, health, agriculture, renewable energy and climate justice was also discussed in detail. We are excited to see the spread of yoga and ayurveda in Cyprus. Cyprus is also a favourite destination for Indian tourists. Emphasis will be laid on creating direct air connectivity for them,” he added.