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News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
Last Updated: 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. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Cyprus northern Cyprus pm narendra modi turkey Location : 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
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
PM Modi in Cyprus: 3 reasons why the nation matters for India, what is the Turkey angle
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Cyprus on Sunday (June 15) for the first leg of his three-nation tour, which will also see him visit Canada for the G7 summit and then Croatia. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over 20 years, and is being seen by many as a strategic signal to Turkey, which has steadily deepened its ties with Pakistan. During his visit, PM Modi will hold talks with President Nikos Christodoulides in capital Nicosia, and address business leaders at Limassol. Why is Cyprus important to India, and what is the Turkey angle in this? We explain. Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located close to Turkey and Syria. It is a member of the European Union (EU) despite being geographically in Asia. The island nation got independence from the British in 1960. Its two major communities, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, participated in an uneasy power sharing, which flared up into violence just three years later and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force had to be called in. In 1974, the Greek Cypriots staged a coup with the help of the Greek Junta, to merge the island with Greece. Turkey then invaded, and while the legitimate government in Nicosia was restored, Turkish forces have never fully left the island. In fact, the north-eastern part of the island has declared itself independent as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which only Turkey recognises. India's ties with the two countries A Ministry of External Affairs release on India-Cyprus ties says the country 'remains one of Indiaʼs dependable friends.' 'It supports Indiaʼs candidature as a permanent member of the expanded UN Security Council. It has also extended its full support for the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, within the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which helps India address its increasing energy needs and benefit its economic development,' the MEA document says. Turkey, on the other hand, has not just supported Pakistan in terms of international resolutions and statements on Kashmir, during the recent conflict after Operation Sindoor, many of the drones Pakistan attacked India with were found to have been of Turkish origin. This has crossed a line for India. PM Modi, before leaving for his trip, said in a press release, 'This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.' IMEC, EU factors The Turkey angle aside, Cyprus is valuable to India in many other ways. As stated, it has proved to be a 'dependable friend'. Secondly, its geographic location makes it a crucial part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an infrastructure project that India expects multiple benefits from. IMEC is supposed to boost trade and connectivity between India and Europe via the Middle East, and Cyprus, in the Mediterranean, has an important role to play. Also, Cyprus is set to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, and as India looks to build stronger trade and security ties with Europe, Nicosia could be a crucial ally.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Cyprus Travel Guide: Explore The Best Of The Island's Culture, Beaches, And Divided History
Ruins of ancient temple Kourion . near Limassol, Cyprus Cyprus is a fascinating country to visit for many reasons, including the fact that although a member of the European Union, it has been a divided island since the Turkish invasion in 1974. As a result, there's a green line (a UN-controlled buffer zone) dividing the island and running through Nicosia, the country's capital. The Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized, mostly Greek Cypriot) controls the south, while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey, controls the north. Despite the green line, locals and tourists alike are able to freely cross from one side to the other by going through various checkpoints. Visitors are able to enjoy both cultures and will notice that Greek and Turkish Cypriots get along just fine, in contrast to the official political impasse. Panoramic views of Nicosia, Cyprus In the north, Nicosia, the largest city, is a must visit even if you're staying in the south. A guided walk around the last divided capital of Europe, with Get Your Guide explores both the Greek and Turkish sides of the divided city (don't forget your passport). And on the Greek side, for art lovers, Nimac in a former power station, is the island's oldest and largest Contemporary Art Centre. And also a real delight is 11 Parthenon, the home of Andre Zivanari, director of Point Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia. The beautiful Modernist private home is a treasure trove of artworks by regional artists and has temporary exhibitions too, open Fridays and by appointment. Limassol promenade or embankment at sunset. Limassol in the south is a good base for exploring beaches and historical sites. Stay in the lively Old Town near the old port, the heart of Limassol. The cobbled streets are filled with small shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. There's a castle, which is now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and another must-visit area is the Turkish quarter with its 16th-century Grand Mosque. The amphitheater at Kourion, Cyprus, dating back to the 13th century BCE Just outside of Limassol, for anyone even remotely interested in ancient history, a visit to ancient Kourion is essential. A walk through the vast UNESCO-listed archaeological site is thrilling. Dating back to the 13th century BCE, it is one of Cyprus' most significant ancient city-kingdoms, where you can still see a Greco-Roman amphitheater, intricate Roman mosaics and early Christian basilica. Go just before sunset to avoid the heat and crowds. Aerial view of coastline and landmark big white chalk rock at Governor's beach, Limassol, Cyprus. There are plenty of lovely beaches in Cyprus but Governor's Beach, about 30 minutes from Limassol, feels somewhat undiscovered. Instead of going to the larger Governor's Beach, try the petite, secluded, sandy beach in a sheltered cove nearby. Vima Art Fair, Cyprus If you're visiting in the spring, Vima contemporary art fair in Limassol is a brilliant way to discover Cypriot galleries and artists as well as art from the surrounding region. The first edition, this May, featured 27 galleries with works ranging from €800-€80,000. PSI Foundation, in a former Carob factory, is a modernist gem. The PSI Foundation is currently showing an exhibition by Tekton Technical Bureau, celebrating the pioneering work of engineer Andreas Papadopoulos and architect Phoebus Polydorides. And behind discreet black curtains, the gallery opens onto a cavernous space with a commissioned video installation, Aftermath by British artist Matt Collishaw. The mesmerizing work immerses viewers in a dystopian underwater world, weaving together themes of technological transformation and environmental decay through the use of artificial intelligence and signifies a dynamic bridge between the past and the future. A solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou at Eins gallery, Limassol eins Gallery, in Limassol's old town, has regular contemporary art exhibitions in a space tucked away but well worth making the effort to find. Currently on until July is a solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou, whose work reflects on memory, place and the passage of time through sculpture, installation and drawing. Alexandros Diogenous and Limassol Art Walks founded the non-profit organization Pylon Art & Culture to show regional contemporary art and new ways of contemplating it. Their current show is Newcomers by Cypriot Maria Loizidou (until 14 September 2025) at the Minerva Hotel in Platres. For clubbing, head to Sousami Club in Limassol, owned by the Dj duo of Acidfox and Picadillis. The pair also organise the biggest annual music festival on the island, ABR festival. The Old Port, Limassol, Cyprus The Old Port Hotel is a cosy, independent 3-star hotel, right in the center of the historic old town and across from the pretty harbor and a long seaside promenade. The small boutique hotel has 23 air conditioned rooms, some with balconies. Another good choice of small hotels is S Paul Hotel in a listed two storey stone building, also in the historical city center of Limassol. The building dates back to the 18th century and was used as the Town Hall of Limassol in the beginning of the 19 th century. The hotel has 22 unique guest rooms. Larger and fancier is the 5-star Amara with 207 chic rooms with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Jam, the laid back restaurant attached to the Old Port Hotel, is open all day for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunches and dinner. Ousio kitchen, also in the old town, is a cute bistro using locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the oven baked prawns, with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fermented peppers and falafel with quinoa blended with beetroot, lemon, coriander, cold pressed olive oil, served with roasted vegetables. Poly offers 'Greek soul food' including delicious prawn wraps, chicken gyros, local seabass tartare, and greek salad. Volta Wine Bar is great for small plates accompanied by Greek and Cypriot wines.
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
UN envoy for Cyprus pushes for trust-building measures ahead of talks
NICOSIA, Cyprus, May 25, (AP): A newly appointed U.N. envoy for Cyprus said Saturday she'll work hard to ensure concrete progress in measures to build trust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in hopes of reviving moribund talks to heal the island nation's half-century ethnic division. Maria Angela Holguin said her weeklong stay in Cyprus aims to generate tangible results ahead of a July meeting in Geneva that will bring together UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, along with top diplomats from Greece, Turkey and the UK Negotiations have been stalled since 2017. Trust-building measures include talks on opening new crossing points along a 180-kilometer (120-mile) UN control buffer zone that divides a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from a Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally-recognized government is seated. Other measures that Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar agreed to implement in front of Guterres during a March meeting in Geneva included work on a photovoltaic park inside the buffer zone, demining and restoration work on cemeteries on either side of the divide. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. Holguin said Guterres "continues to push' for a resumption of Cyprus peace talks. But that prospect faces a difficult hurdle in the form of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a peace deal based on two equal states, instead of a federation composed of Greek and Turkish speaking zones that formed the basis of decades of UN-mediated negotiations. While Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots say the federation idea is now bankrupt, Greek Cypriots say they won't assent to any accord that formally partitions the island, allows for a permanent Turkish troop presence, gives Turkey rights to militarily intervene and offers the minority Turkish Cypriots a veto right on all government decisions.
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UN envoy for Cyprus pushes for trust-building measures ahead of talks - International
A newly appointed U.N. envoy for Cyprus said Saturday she'll work hard to ensure concrete progress in measures to build trust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in hopes of reviving moribund talks to heal the island nation's half-century ethnic division. Maria Angela Holguin said her weeklong stay in Cyprus aims to generate tangible results ahead of a July meeting in Geneva that will bring together U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, along with top diplomats from Greece, Turkey, and the U.K. Negotiations have been stalled since 2017. Trust-building measures include talks on opening new crossing points along a 180-kilometre (120-mile) U.N. control buffer zone that divides a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from a Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally recognised government is seated. Other measures that Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar agreed to implement in front of Guterres during a March meeting in Geneva included work on a photovoltaic park inside the buffer zone, demining and restoration work on cemeteries on either side of the divide. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognises a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. Holguin said Guterres 'continues to push' for a resumption of Cyprus peace talks. But that prospect faces a difficult hurdle in the form of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a peace deal based on two equal states, instead of a federation composed of Greek and Turkish-speaking zones that formed the basis of decades of U.N.-mediated negotiations. While Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots say the federation idea is now bankrupt, Greek Cypriots say they won't assent to any accord that formally partitions the island, allows for a permanent Turkish troop presence, gives Turkey rights to militarily intervene, and offers the minority Turkish Cypriots a veto right on all government decisions. Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said, despite any hurdles, the fact of Holguin's appointment indicates that the U.N. considers the resumption of peace talks 'completely feasible.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
