Prime Minister Narendra Modi today departed for a five-day diplomatic tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia, a trip to deepen India’s engagement with Europe. The visit will reframe strained ties with Canada and reaffirm India’s presence at the global high table through the G7 Summit.
Before boarding his flight, PM Modi called it an opportunity to “build on shared values, expand cooperation in emerging sectors and strengthen India’s voice on global issues.”
Cyprus PM Modi’s First Stop
Modi’s first stop is Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the Mediterranean nation in over two decades. In Nicosia, he will hold talks with President Nikos Christodoulides. Besides, he will address business leaders in Limassol, focusing on trade, technology and regional connectivity. “Cyprus is a close friend and a valued partner in the European Union. Our partnership has historical roots and promising future potential,” the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.
The visit carries symbolic weight. Cyprus has long supported India’s positions on Kashmir and counterterrorism. It holds geostrategic importance for India’s westward ambitions, especially in the context of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). India’s historic role in UN peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus also adds a layer of goodwill. Three Indian generals have commanded UNFICYP during critical phases of Cyprus’s history.
Canada, G7 Summit Next
After concluding his engagements in Cyprus, the PM will fly to Kananaskis, Canada, where he is scheduled to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This will be Modi’s sixth consecutive appearance at the forum where global leaders are expected to deliberate on energy security, artificial intelligence, climate change and technology governance.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Modi said: “The G7 provides a valuable platform to engage on global challenges. I look forward to discussions on sustainable development, innovation, and the priorities of the Global South.”
On the sidelines, a closely watched meeting with Prime Minister Carney is expected, their first since Carney took office. India views this as a critical opportunity to reset diplomatic ties. Bilateral ties were severely strained in recent years following explosive allegations by former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau regarding the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — claims that India flatly rejected.
The Modi-Carney meeting is expected to focus on restoring trust, addressing mutual concerns and re-establishing channels of cooperation on trade, diaspora engagement and security.
Historic Visit To Croatia
The final leg of the trip will take PM Modi to Croatia, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian PM to the Balkan nation. Modi will meet President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to explore new areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly in maritime infrastructure, defence, science and technology and cultural exchange.
“India and Croatia share a long-standing cultural connection. This visit opens the door to a new era of cooperation,” Modi noted.
IMEEC & Croatia
Croatia’s participation in the broader IMEEC framework is also expected to feature in discussions, especially as India looks to increase its logistical and economic footprint across southern and eastern Europe.
Officials in New Delhi say the tour reflects India’s evolving diplomatic posture — proactive, multi-aligned and focused on strategic diversification. It also sends a message about India’s role as a bridge between the developed world and the Global South at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments.
Beyond bilateral meetings, the trip is also a chance to recognise global support for India’s stance against terrorism. In his remarks, Modi noted that he will use the visit to express gratitude to partner countries that have stood with India “against cross-border terrorism in all its forms.”
As India continues to recalibrate its global partnerships, this multi-nation outreach — spanning the Mediterranean, North America and the Balkans — is being seen as a significant diplomatic statement at a time when India is asserting both economic influence and strategic independence on the world stage.
