On June 15, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Mediterranean isla
On June 15, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Mediterranean island in over two decades. This strategic stop, part of a broader three-nation tour including Canada and Croatia, underscores India’s ambitious push to strengthen economic and geopolitical ties with Europe through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The visit, rich in diplomatic and economic significance, positions Cyprus as a pivotal gateway for India’s connectivity aspirations, while subtly navigating regional tensions involving Turkey.
The IMEC, launched with a Memorandum of Understanding at the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, is a flagship initiative aimed at fostering economic integration between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The corridor envisions a vast network of sea and rail routes connecting India to Europe via the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and either Italy or Greece. Recent reports highlight the project’s potential to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative by enhancing trade efficiency and reducing dependency on existing routes like the Suez Canal. Modi’s discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides focused on leveraging Cyprus’s strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean to serve as an entry point for Indian goods and investments into the European Union.
Cyprus, an EU member state despite its geographical proximity to Asia, offers unique advantages for the IMEC. Its well-developed ports, particularly in Limassol, and its upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 make it a critical partner for India. During the visit, Modi addressed business leaders in Limassol, emphasizing India’s stable economic policies and inviting Cypriot investment in India’s financial hubs, such as GIFT City. Official statements from the talks also highlighted agreements on financial connectivity, including the integration of India’s UPI payment system, signaling deeper economic collaboration.
The visit carries a subtle geopolitical undertone, particularly in relation to Turkey. Experts note that India’s engagement with Cyprus sends a strategic signal to Ankara, which has strengthened ties with Pakistan in recent years. Turkey has proposed an alternative trade route, the Iraq Development Road Project, which bypasses Cyprus and includes ports in the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. Modi’s visit, however, reinforces Cyprus’s role in the IMEC, aligning with India’s broader strategy to counterbalance Turkey’s regional influence while fostering closer ties with the EU.
Beyond trade, the visit strengthened India-Cyprus bilateral ties. The two nations share historical and cultural connections, with Cyprus hosting a growing Indian diaspora and academic interest in Indology at institutions like the University of Zagreb. Modi and Christodoulides explored cooperation in defense, renewable energy, and technology, with memoranda of understanding signed to formalize these commitments. The Indian prime minister’s address to the Cypriot business community underscored shared values and mutual economic benefits, positioning India as a reliable partner in a volatile global landscape.
The IMEC faces challenges, including escalating tensions in the Middle East, which could disrupt the corridor’s planned routes through conflict-prone areas. Recent reports indicate that participating countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, view the project as a means to diversify economic dependencies rather than directly challenge China. For India, the corridor promises enhanced access to European markets, reduced transportation costs, and strengthened energy security through undersea cables and pipelines.
Modi’s visit to Cyprus, though brief, marks a significant step in cementing India’s global economic footprint. By positioning Cyprus as a linchpin in the IMEC, India is not only advancing its trade ambitions but also reinforcing its strategic presence in the Mediterranean. As the world watches the unfolding dynamics of global trade routes, this visit signals India’s intent to play a leading role in shaping a new era of connectivity and economic collaboration between Asia and Europe.
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