June 16, 2025 | NRI Globe News Desk

In a bold diplomatic move, India has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, sending a clear signal to Turkey amid rising tensions. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Nicosia—the first by an Indian PM in over 20 years—India reiterated its commitment to a united Cyprus, opposing Turkey’s occupation of Northern Cyprus since 1974. This strategic stance underscores India’s growing influence in the Mediterranean and its response to Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan, particularly on the Kashmir issue.

Modi’s Visit: A Strategic Signal to Turkey

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus, en route to the G7 Summit in Canada, was marked by high-level talks with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The leaders visited the Green Line, a UN-patrolled buffer zone dividing Cyprus, symbolizing India’s solidarity with Cyprus against Turkey’s control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Ankara.

India’s joint statement emphasized, “India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. Both sides stressed the need to avoid unilateral actions to foster meaningful negotiations.” This stance aligns with India’s long-standing position advocating a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation under UN resolutions, a direct counter to Turkey’s support for a two-state solution.

Key Fact: Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island following a Greek-backed coup, establishing the TRNC in 1983. Only Turkey recognizes the TRNC, while the international community, including India, supports the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereignty over the entire island.

Why India’s Support for Cyprus Matters

India’s backing of Cyprus is not just a diplomatic gesture but a calculated response to Turkey’s growing alignment with Pakistan. Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, including during the recent Operation Sindoor following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. Reports indicate Pakistan used Turkish-origin drones against India, further straining India-Turkey relations.

In contrast, Cyprus has been a steadfast ally, condemning the Pahalgam attack and pledging to raise cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the EU level. Cyprus also supports India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and its inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), reinforcing the strategic partnership.

Did You Know? Cyprus is a key player in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), enhancing trade connectivity between India and Europe via the Middle East. Its EU membership and 2026 EU Presidency make it a vital ally for India’s global ambitions.

Strengthening India-Cyprus Ties

Modi’s visit, the third by an Indian PM after Indira Gandhi (1983) and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2002), deepened bilateral ties across multiple fronts:

• Defense and Security: The 2025 Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) was finalized, building on the 2022 MoU. Both nations agreed to enhance cyber and maritime security dialogues and real-time intelligence sharing to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
• Trade and Connectivity: Agreements were signed to introduce India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Cyprus via Eurobank and enable cross-border financial flows through a MoU between GIFT City and the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Cyprus aims to serve as a gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe.
• Tourism and Culture: Modi highlighted Cyprus’ tourism potential, especially as anti-Turkey sentiment grows in India post-Operation Sindoor, with social media campaigns calling for a boycott of Turkish tourism.
• Awards and Honors: Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’ highest civilian honor, recognizing India’s contributions to Cyprus’ sovereignty.

The Turkey Angle: A Geopolitical Chess Move

Turkey’s vocal criticism of India, particularly on Kashmir, and its military support for Pakistan have prompted India to strengthen ties with Turkey’s regional rivals, including Cyprus, Greece, Armenia, and Egypt. Modi’s visit to Cyprus, coupled with his tour of the Turkish-occupied mountains near Nicosia, was a subtle yet firm rebuke to Ankara’s expansionist policies.

The Cyprus issue remains a geopolitical flashpoint. Turkey’s 1974 invasion, following a Greek-backed coup, led to the occupation of Northern Cyprus, displacing thousands of Greek Cypriots. The TRNC’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1983 lacks international recognition, and Turkey’s drilling in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone has drawn EU condemnation. India’s support for Cyprus aligns with its broader strategy to counter Turkey’s influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

India-Cyprus: A Shared Vision for Sovereignty

India and Cyprus share a history of supporting each other’s sovereignty. India backed Cyprus during its 1960 independence from British rule and contributed three commanders to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), including Maj. General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, honored with a road in Larnaca and a 1966 Cypriot stamp. Cyprus, in turn, has supported India’s nuclear ambitions and condemned terrorism targeting India.

President Christodoulides emphasized, “We are united by a shared struggle for independence and respect for international law. Cyprus supports India’s right to defend its citizens against terrorism.” The joint declaration condemned terrorism in all forms, calling for dismantling terror networks and holding perpetrators accountable.

Looking Ahead: India’s Mediterranean Strategy

Modi’s visit positions Cyprus as a cornerstone of India’s Mediterranean outreach. With Cyprus set to assume the EU Presidency in 2026, India aims to leverage this partnership to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and enhance energy and trade frameworks. The IMEC, with Cyprus as a key hub, promises to boost economic connectivity and regional stability.

As India navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, its alignment with Cyprus sends a powerful message to Turkey and its allies: New Delhi stands firm on sovereignty and will counter any threats to its interests. For the Indian diaspora, this move reinforces India’s global stature as a defender of international law and a strategic player in regional stability.

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