PM Modi and Cyprus President Call for Peace Amid Global Conflicts
During an official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides jointly expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, emphasizing that "this is not an era of war." Their shared stance advocates for resolving disputes through dialogue and restoring global stability as a moral imperative.
A Conversation Rooted in Friendship and Solidarity
Speaking at a joint press conference following extensive bilateral talks, PM Modi highlighted the historic trust that underpins India-Cyprus relations. He extended gratitude to Cyprus for its steadfast support of India's battle against cross-border terrorism, particularly significant in the wake of India's recent Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure.
President Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus's full solidarity with India, recalling the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. He underscored that Cyprus stands united with India against terrorism in all its forms.
The Cyprus President also extended condolences concerning the recent tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, showing empathy from the people of Cyprus during India's time of mourning.
Expanding Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
The discussions spanned diverse areas including defence, security, trade, technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and climate justice. Both leaders recognized the far-reaching negative impacts of conflicts beyond their immediate regions and stressed the urgency of dialogue as the path to peace.
PM Modi described his visit as a "golden opportunity" to deepen bilateral ties — marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over twenty years. The agenda also included enhancing tourism, with plans to explore direct air connectivity and promote cultural exchanges such as yoga and Ayurveda, which are gaining popularity in Cyprus.
Addressing Regional Issues and Future Prospects
The Cyprus issue was a significant topic, with President Christodoulides expressing gratitude for India’s support of Cyprus’s territorial integrity and calling for an end to the "illegal occupation" of Northern Cyprus by Turkey.
Highlighting shared democratic values and mutual respect for sovereignty, PM Modi commented, "Our ties are neither made by circumstances nor limited," signaling a robust foundation for future collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Initiatives and Invitations
One key focus was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which both leaders acknowledged as a transformative initiative promising to bolster peace and prosperity across the regions.
To strengthen people-to-people connections and diplomatic relations, PM Modi extended a formal invitation to President Christodoulides for a visit to India, aiming to further cement the growing partnership between the two nations.
The high-level delegation included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, highlighting the visit’s strategic importance.
