Modi's historic Cyprus visit: Why it matters more than you think

The significance of Modi's Cyprus visit extends far beyond ceremonial diplomacy. During his stay, the Prime Minister engaged in substantive discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia and addressed business leaders in Limassol, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.In his remarks during the visit, Modi emphasised the development of "a complete roadmap to give strategic direction for the partnership between the two nations." This comprehensive approach signals India's intention to deepen ties with Cyprus across defence, security, trade, and technological domains.advertisement Strategic geography and regional dynamics
Cyprus occupies a unique position in the eastern Mediterranean, serving as a crucial bridge between Europe, Asia, and West Asia. Despite its geographic location in Asia, Cyprus maintains strong ties with Europe as a European Union member state, making it an invaluable partner for India's expanding engagement with the continent.The island nation's complex history, marked by the division between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and the 1974 Turkish military intervention, provides important context for understanding regional dynamics. The northern portion of the island remains under Turkish control as the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey—a situation that influences broader Mediterranean geopolitics.India's Mediterranean strategyCyprus has emerged as one of India's dependable friends in the Mediterranean region. The island nation has consistently supported India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council and backed India's civil nuclear cooperation agreements within international frameworks.advertisementModi's visit comes at a time when India seeks to counter growing Turkish-Pakistani cooperation, particularly in defence and security matters. Recent conflicts have highlighted the use of Turkish-origin military equipment by Pakistan, marking what Indian officials consider a concerning escalation in regional tensions.Defence and security cooperation frameworkA key outcome of Modi's Cyprus visit was the commitment to strengthen defence and security cooperation through enhanced bilateral programs. The Prime Minister outlined plans to emphasise defence industry collaboration under existing bilateral frameworks while initiating separate dialogues on cyber and maritime security.Modi specifically thanked Cyprus for its continued support in India's efforts to combat cross-border terrorism, announcing the establishment of real-time information exchange mechanisms between security agencies of both countries. This cooperation framework represents a significant step in India's broader counter-terrorism strategy.IMEC and economic connectivityBeyond security considerations, Cyprus plays a vital role in India's ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project. This infrastructure initiative aims to boost trade and connectivity between India and Europe through West Asian transit points, with Cyprus serving as a crucial Mediterranean gateway.The timing of Modi's visit is particularly strategic, as Cyprus is scheduled to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This positioning makes Cyprus an invaluable ally as India seeks to strengthen trade and security relationships across Europe.Multilateral cooperation and global challengesDuring discussions with Cypriot leadership, Modi addressed shared concerns about ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia, emphasising that "this is not an era of war." Both nations expressed similar views on the need for UN reforms to address contemporary global challenges, reinforcing their alignment on multilateral issues.The Prime Minister's visit also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to partner countries for their steadfast support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism and to build global consensus on tackling terrorism in all its forms.A strategic partnership in the makingModi's Cyprus visit represents more than bilateral engagement—it signals India's broader Mediterranean strategy and commitment to building diverse partnerships that support its growing global influence. The comprehensive roadmap discussed during the visit encompasses defence cooperation, economic connectivity, technological collaboration, and multilateral diplomatic support.As India continues to expand its international partnerships and counter emerging security challenges, Cyprus emerges as a strategically positioned ally that offers both geographic advantages and consistent diplomatic support. This historic visit sets the foundation for enhanced cooperation that could serve as a model for India's engagement with other Mediterranean and European partners.advertisementThe success of this diplomatic initiative will be measured not just in immediate agreements, but in the long-term strategic benefits it provides for India's expanding global presence and its efforts to build a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean region.

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India Gazette

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• India Gazette

Visakhapatnam sets world record on International Day of Yoga; 3 lakh perform yoga along 28km beach road

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 22 (ANI): A new Guinness World Record was set on the 11th International Day of Yoga for the largest gathering for a Yoga session in one place in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Around three lakh people participated in the event, which was organised on a 28-kilometre stretch from RK Beach to Bheemili in the presence of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, the Ministry of Ayush wrote, 'Main event of IDY 2025 sets Guinness World Record in Visakhapatnam. With an estimated 3 lakh participants, the grand celebration along the 28 km beach road--from RK Beach to Bheemili--and across various parts of Visakhapatnam marked the world's largest gathering for a yoga session at a single venue.' 'Led by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the event was part of the 'Yoga Sangam' initiative, synchronised across 13 lakh+ locations nationwide. A historic morning for yoga and India's global wellness leadership,' it added. Addressing the world's largest-ever yoga gathering, the Prime Minister joined thousands of participants from India and abroad for a historic yoga session by the sea, the Ministry of AYUSH said in a release. As per the release, in the national event, PM Modi was joined by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Abdul Nazeer, and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ayush and MoS for Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) Prataprao Jadhav were also present alongside Union Minister of State Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan Garu and State Cabinet Minister Nara Lokesh Garu were also present. Extending warm greetings to people across India and the world on International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister highlighted that this year marks the 11th occasion when the world has come together on 21st June to practice yoga collectively. He remarked that the essence of yoga is 'to unite', and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the world. Reflecting on the journey of Yoga over the past decade, PM Modi recalled the moment when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. He noted that 175 countries supported the proposal, a rare instance of such wide global unity. He emphasised that the support was not merely for a proposal but represented a collective effort by the world for the greater good of humanity. 'Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe', he added. The Prime Minister expressed pride in seeing how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille and how scientists are practicing yoga in space. He also noted enthusiastic participation of youth from rural areas in Yoga Olympiads. PM Modi underscored that whether it is the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the summit of Mount Everest, or the vast expanse of the ocean, the message remains the same,'Yoga is for everyone and for all, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability.' The Prime Minister expressed his delight at being in Visakhapatnam, describing it as a vibrant blend of natural beauty and modern progress. Highlighting that more than two crore people have taken part in the Yogandhra Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said that this overwhelming public response reflects the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, which forms the foundation of a Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that when citizens take ownership of national missions, no goal is too ambitious. The energy, commitment, and goodwill of the people were clearly evident throughout the celebrations in Visakhapatnam. In his welcome speech, Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said that 'the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji initiated the unprecedented step of getting a resolution passed at the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. This initiative has now transformed into a global public health movement celebrated in over 180 countries.' Prataprao Jadhav added that after completing a decade of this movement, 'we have launched 10 Signature Events this year. These include Harit Yoga (Green Yoga) with tree plantation, Yoga Connect, Yoga Parks, Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Mahakumbh, and Yoga Sangam, being celebrated by over 10 lakh (1 million) organisations across the country.' Congratulating the Andhra Pradesh Government, the Union Ayush Minister stated that 'under the leadership of the Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu, a 'YogAndhra Abhiyan' was launched in Andhra Pradesh on May 21. As part of this campaign, more than 22,000 tribal students performed 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar in 15 minutes yesterday, entering their names into the Guinness Book of World Records.' He further said that inspired by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Ayush has taken a small initiative to promote healthy food among the public, and today, at 70 locations in Delhi, the ministry was distributing Ayush Aahar (Ayush Diet) to all participants of this IDY programme. 'This Ayush Aahar is based on Moringa-based food products, and will emerge as a healthy and tasty food alternative for the people,' he said. Thanking the Prime Minister for granting Andhra Pradesh the honour to host this historic event, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh marked the 11th International Yoga Day with unprecedented enthusiasm as over 3 lakh citizens gathered in Visakhapatnam for a mass yoga demonstration. 'The event concluded with the successful month-long Yogandhra campaign that engaged 2.17 crore participants statewide, creating several records,' he said. (ANI)

Hans India

an hour ago

• Hans India

Op Sindoor proves India safe under Modi, says Majhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said Operation Sindoor has proved that India is safe under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Majhi was addressing a function organised to celebrate the first anniversary of Odisha's maiden BJP government. Showering praises on Modi, who was also present on the dais, Majhi said, 'Earlier, people used to say – 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' (it is possible if Modi is there) but today, the entire country is saying 'Modi hai to desh surakshit hai' (the country is safe when Modi is at the helm).' Majhi said Operation Sindoor is not just an Army operation against terrorists, but a hope for the mothers, sisters and daughters of India. 'With Operation Sindoor, a new India has emerged, which will not bow down under any circumstances. This new India will write its own destiny,' the Chief Minister said. Stating that India is reaching new heights of development under Modi's leadership, Majhi said in the last 11 years, every section of the society has progressed. 'Today, India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world, and is soon going to become $5 trillion economy. Extreme poverty in the country has come down from 27.1 per cent to 5.3 per cent. This proves that under your leadership, the country is changing and is moving forward on the path of development at a rapid pace,' he said. Majhi said Odisha is also making progress and the State's initiatives are modelled keeping in mind the four categories mentioned by Modi – the poor, the farmers, women and youth. Majhi said the Odisha government has secured an investment proposal of Rs 17 lakh crore in just two days after Modi's call to the industries during a conclave held earlier this year. 'This was possible only because of the trust of the industrial world in you (Modi),' Majhi added.

Mint

an hour ago

• Mint

Europe wants to show it's ready for war. Would anyone show up to fight?

Nice tanks you got there, Europe—got anyone to drive 'em? Such are the taunts the continent's generals might have to endure following the announcement of a splurge in defence spending expected from the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24th-25th. Assuming European governments don't bin their commitments to bigger defence budgets once some kind of peace is agreed to in Ukraine—or Donald Trump leaves the White House—spending on their armed forces will roughly double within a decade. A disproportionate slug of the jump from a 2% of GDP spending target to 3.5% will go towards purchasing equipment. But armies are about people, too. Attracting youngsters to a career that involves getting shot at has never been easy; a bit of forceful nagging (known in military jargon as 'conscription") is already on the cards in some countries. Even dragooning recalcitrant teens into uniform will not solve a problem that is lurking deep in the continent's psyche. Europeans are proud of their peaceful ways. If war breaks out there, will anybody be there to fight it? Polling that asks people how they would behave in case of an invasion ought to send shivers down the spines of Europe's drill sergeants. Last year a Gallup survey asked citizens in 45 countries how willing they would be to take up arms in case of war. Four of the five places with the least enthusiastic fighters globally were in Europe, including Spain, Germany and notably Italy, where just 14% of respondents said they were up for taking on a foreign foe. Given Russia's snail-paced advances since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, countries over a thousand kilometres away from today's front lines may not feel the chill wind of the Kremlin. But even in Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine (and with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad), fewer than half of respondents say they would fight in a war involving their country. In a separate poll taken before the invasion, 23% of Lithuanian men said they would rather flee abroad than fend off an attack. Citizens asked to stand up and be counted are giving a resounding shrug instead. To some Europeans, a citizenry with no appetite for fighting is the reflection of a job well done. The union at the continent's heart bills itself as a 'peace project". The past seven decades have been about ensuring Germany would never take up arms against France and vice versa. Meshing economies together within the European Union and even outside it was meant to make invasions impractical at first and unthinkable in time. The bureaucratic pacificism that endures within the EU—'make meetings not war!" would be a fine motto—may have resonated a bit too much with some citizens. Some may have forgotten that those outside the club, like one Vladimir Putin, were not privy to such arrangements. Military matters were at most an afterthought. Only in the past year has the bloc appointed a commissioner for defence, while making clear the job is about overseeing the companies making shells and missiles, not the armed forces per se. To what can the broader population's lack of appetite to bear arms even in case of war be attributed? Sociologists speak of Europe as a 'post-heroic" society, where individualism and aspirations of 'self-realisation" trump the supposed patriotic fervour of generations past. T he continent's polarised politics have played a part: support for parties of the hard right and left has surged in recent decades, and their voters are notably cooler on the idea of fighting for their country. Older people tend to be less gung-ho about taking up arms, and Europe is an ageing continent. Places with recent histories of dictatorship, such as Spain and Portugal, are also gun-shy. Seeing misfiring American operations in Afghanistan and Iraq (in which Europeans had at best a supporting role) comforted pacifists that theirs was the right way. Notwithstanding its peace-mongering ways, Europe does not lack men and women in uniform. Despite a scything in the number of troops since 1990, to less than half the previous figure in many countries, the continent still has more soldiers than America, and roughly as many as a share of its overall population. Still, some countries like Poland are now talking of bringing some form of conscription back (a few, like Denmark and Greece, never quite got rid of it). Abolishing military service was once hailed as a liberal accomplishment. Now drafting youngsters is seen as a way of promoting the idea that national defence is everybody's job, not just the role of a few paid soldiers. The fog of peace That notion may take a while to take hold. For something strange happens when you ask Europeans about defence matters. In surveys carried out by the European Commission, the bloc's citizens list Russia's invasion of Ukraine and matters of defence as the biggest threats facing the EU as a whole. Well over half think that fighting within the union's borders is likely in coming years. But asked what issues affect them personally and Europeans forget about Russia altogether, worrying more about inflation, taxes, pensions and climate change than they do about potential invaders. It is not that Europeans don't see the looming threat. It is that they think it is somebody else's problem. The upshot is a continent that gives the impression of being battle-weary without having fought the battle. Already Trumpians have a dim view of Europeans' fighting verve. J.D. Vance, the American vice-president, in March dismissed the possibility of 'some random [European] country that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years" credibly deterring Russia by putting boots on the ground in Ukraine. It was offensive precisely because it contained elements of truth. Getting Europeans to shell out for more of their own defence has taken decades of Americans nagging. Convincing them to give war a chance might take even longer. © 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on