‘Ek Message to Türkiye’: Why PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus is important; 7 points | Bharat News

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cyprus Yatra, for the first time by an Indian PM in 23 years, is being seen as a diplomatic signal for Turkey in Nicosia, which has captured a third of the island since 1974 and supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last month.PM Modi’s visit, before the recent Pakistan crisis, is seen as a particularly meaningful in this context, abroad.PM Modi is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nicos Christodaulids and is going with a large delegation of about 100 officers. His stop in Cyprus is part of a three -nation tour that includes Canada for the G -7 summit, and the first visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister.Cyprus Yatra is important for many strategic, diplomatic, economic and geopolitical reasons, reflecting the increasing importance of Cyprus in India’s broad regional and global perspectives. There are 7 major points that explain the importance of travel:First visit by an Indian PM in more than 20 yearsThe journey was first marked by an Indian Prime Minister in Cyprus for more than two decades, focusing renewed on strengthening bilateral relations and strategic partnership.Despite the historical relations between the two countries, the visit of Indian Prime Ministers has been rare. There have been only two trips to Cyprus in the last 40 years by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the last 40 years.Indication to TurkishThe trip is seen as a calculation to combat the growing Turkish-Pakistan axis, especially since Turkey has deepened relations with Pakistan, including India’s support during Operation Sindoor. Cyprus has a long struggle with Turkey, stems from the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ongoing partition of the island. Türkiye’s recognition is only a contradiction of the European Union membership of Cyprus of the Northern Cyprus (TRNC) of the Turkish Republic and its western alliances. PM Modi is sending a clear message of solidarity with Cyprus against Turkish expansionism by visiting Cyprus and potentially visiting the United Nations-controlled Buffer Zone (Green Line). It counts the growing Turkish-Pakistan axis and supports India’s broad strategy to separate Pakistan diplomatically. Cyprus’s firm gave more limits to this alignment on Kashmir, terrorism, and UNSC reforms. Thus, the journey strengthens India’s Mediterranean strategy by aligning a prominent regional player against Turkish’s vocality.India has expressed concern over Turkish status and actions during the struggle, which led to a public backlash and boycott of Turkish goods in India.In contrast, Cyprus has supported India on the issue of terrorism.After the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahgam, Cyprus condemned the Act and said it would increase the issue of cross -border terrorism by Pakistan at the European Union level.Mediterranean and Cyprus as the entrance to Europe The location of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its position as a member of the European Union, despite being close to Turkey and Syria, makes it strategically important to India’s Mediterranean Outreach and Europe.Cyprus, one of the largest banks in Eurobank, has recently announced that it is opening a representative office in Mumbai to help Cyprus to create an entrance for Indian businesses entering the European Union and to promote the mutual relations of capital and businesses between Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia.The island’s advanced financial services sector, favorable tax regime, and established shipping industry makes it an ideal center for Indian companies demanding access to European markets. Indo-Central East-Europe Economic CorridorCyprus energy is part of the corridor that will connect India to Europe and strengthen pre-west connectivity through the Indo-Central East-European Corridor (IMEC).The purpose of PM Modi’s visit is to anchor Cyprus more strongly in this strategic economic corridor.Indo-European Union Relations through Cyprus increased relations With the European Union Council’s rotation to organize the presidential post in Cyprus 2026, PM Modi’s visit helped to pave the way for the cooperation of the deep India-European Union on the issues of trade, security and global rule, taking advantage of the impact of Cyprus within the European Union.In addition, the journey aligns India’s widespread push for a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. Cyprus, as a member of the European Union, can play an important role in advocating India’s interests within the block.Economic and investment relationsCyprus is an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, supported by the Dual Taxation Parihar Agreement (DTAA) between the two countries. During the visit, PM Modi addressed a business roundate in Limasol, stressing India’s commitment to deepen economic relations. He highlighted India’s economic trajectory, stating that it would soon become the third largest economy in the world, and invited Cyprint businesses to invest in areas such as innovation, energy, technology and digital infrastructure.Energy security and natural gas explorationCyprus is a major player in Eastern Mediterranean Natural Gas Explosion, a region of regional tension due to Turkish drilling. India’s interest in diversifying its energy sources makes Cyprus strategically important for potential energy participation.