India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
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In 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — a state recognised only by Turkey.
India on Monday reiterated its 'unwavering and consistent support" for the 'independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity" of the Republic of Cyprus, in what can be seen as a clear message to Turkey, that shares not just a border with Cyprus, but also a decades old territorial conflict. India's statement comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, where met President Nikos Christodoulides.
'India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, both sides emphasised the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations," a statement from PMO India said.
PM Modi's Cyprus visit comes at a time when India is relooking at its ties with Turkey amid the Recep Tayyip Erdogan-led nation's diplomatic and seemingly overt military support for Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Hence, India's statement on support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus holds significance.
India has always backed the territorial integrity of Cyprus and called for a resolution of the Cyprus problem under UNSC resolutions and international law. On Monday, PM Modi visited the Historic Centre of Nicosia with Cyprus President Christodoulides. The two were seen speaking to each other with the Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus in the background. The flag of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) could also be seen in the background.
Turkey has been increasingly vocal in international forums against India, particularly on Kashmir.
What Is The Turkey-Cyprus Conflict?
At the core of the conflict between Turkey and Republic of Cyprus lies the division of the island of Cyprus, a geopolitical flashpoint shaped by ethnic divisions, historical grievances, and strategic interests.
Cyprus, located south of Turkey, has long been home to two main communities — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Tensions began escalating in the 1950s when Greek Cypriots pushed for enosis (union with Greece), which worried the Turkish Cypriot minority and Turkey. Following independence from Britain in 1960, the island adopted a power-sharing constitution. However, intercommunal violence in the 1960s and political instability undermined this arrangement.
The conflict reached a tipping point in 1974, when a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists aimed at annexing the island to Greece, prompted Turkey to launch a military intervention. Turkish forces took control of the northern third of the island, displacing thousands of Greek Cypriots. In 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — a state recognised only by Turkey.
To this day, the island remains divided. The Republic of Cyprus, internationally recognised and a member of the European Union, governs the southern part of the island. The north is administered by the TRNC with heavy Turkish military and economic backing. The buffer zone, known as the Green Line, is patrolled by United Nations peacekeepers.
Greek Cypriots demand the return of occupied land and the withdrawal of Turkish troops. Turkish Cypriots and Ankara, on the other hand, insist on political equality and recognition of their self-declared state. Numerous UN-mediated negotiations, including the Annan Plan in 2004, have failed to produce a lasting solution.
The conflict is further complicated by natural gas exploration in the region. The Republic of Cyprus has issued drilling licences in areas that Turkey claims infringe on its continental shelf and on Turkish Cypriot rights. Turkey has sent its own exploration vessels into disputed waters, clashing with Cyprus, Greece, and even EU regulations.
Despite occasional diplomatic engagement, the conflict remains.
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Cyprus northern Cyprus pm narendra modi turkey
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 16, 2025, 16:20 IST
News explainers India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
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