Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, during a two-day state visit.
This is the first visit to the Mediterranean island nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years. The honour, bestowed by President Nikos Christodoulides, marks a milestone in India-Cyprus relations and underscores New Delhi’s growing strategic engagement in Europe’s southeastern flank.
The visit, coming shortly after tensions with Pakistan and Operation Sindoor, is widely seen as a symbolic diplomatic recalibration. Cyprus, a vocal backer of India’s stance on terrorism and Kashmir, has emerged as a reliable partner. Contrast it with Turkey, which has deepened ties with Pakistan and opposed India on multiple fronts.
A Rare Honour
President Christodoulides conferred the award on PM Modi, recognising his global leadership and the enduring strength of India-Cyprus ties. Named after Cyprus’s first president, the award is the nation’s highest civilian distinction.
Accepting the honour, PM Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion people of India. “This is not merely a personal recognition, but a tribute to the vibrant partnership between our two democracies. It reflects our shared values, mutual trust, and commitment to global peace and cooperation.”
Humbled to receive the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations. https://t.co/x4MX3UZbtW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2025
He highlighted India’s guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family) and called the award a reaffirmation of both nations’ dedication to sovereignty, peace and prosperity.
Strategic Significance Of The Visit
Modi’s visit marks only the third by an Indian leader to Cyprus since independence, following Indira Gandhi (1982) and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2002). The timing and intent of the visit are especially significant in the current geopolitical context.
Strong Message To Turkey
Turkey’s open support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last month, combined with its refusal to condemn cross-border terrorism has strained ties with India. Modi’s choice to visit Cyprus — a nation with a longstanding conflict with Turkey over the 1974 invasion and continued occupation of Northern Cyprus — is a clear rebuke to Ankara’s provocations.
While not directly naming Turkey, PM Modi’s reaffirmation of Cyprus’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity” is seen as a thinly veiled message opposing Turkish expansionism and supporting Cyprus’s EU-aligned stance.
Rebooting Bilateral Ties
During his meetings with President Christodoulides and at the India-Cyprus CEO Forum in Limassol, PM Modi called Cyprus a “reliable partner” and spoke of the “immense potential” for cooperation in innovation, energy, digital infrastructure and finance.
“India is a fast-growing economy — from the 10th largest to the 5th in just a decade. We are on course to become the third-largest economy soon,” he told Cypriot business leaders.
Economic And Financial Partnerships
He welcomed the opening of a Eurobank representative office in Mumbai and encouraged Indian firms to view Cyprus as a financial and trade gateway to the European Union. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the two countries continues to be a strong enabler of FDI.
Hub In IMEC
Cyprus lies along the projected path of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to improve trade and energy flows between South Asia, West Asia and Europe. The visit aims to better anchor Cyprus in this strategic vision.
Energy Security And Maritime Access
With Cyprus emerging as a key player in eastern Mediterranean gas exploration, India is exploring avenues for long-term energy cooperation, especially amid growing concerns over supply diversification and maritime security.
Strengthening India-EU Ties
With Cyprus set to assume the EU Council Presidency in 2026, the visit comes at a pivotal time. Modi’s discussions touched upon India’s efforts to finalise a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU by the end of 2025 — where Cyprus could play a bridging role as a supportive EU member.
Regional Coordination And Diplomacy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken with his Armenian counterpart to coordinate India’s broader diplomatic outreach in the region.
Armenia, a strategic partner bordering both Turkey and Iran, is emerging as a crucial player in India’s extended neighbourhood diplomacy — particularly as India balances its relations in the post-conflict landscape following the Israel-Iran and Pakistan crises.
