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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
This isn't era of war: Modi & Cyprus President Nikos
In a message to both Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides "expressed concern" over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, and they both agree that "this is not an era of war". At a joint press conference with Christodoulides, Modi said " resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity". "We both expressed concern over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not just limited to those regions. We both consider that this is not an era of war. Resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity," Modi said. The remarks against war from Cyprus is notable as Cyprus is located in close proximity to Israel and shares strong ties with Tel Aviv. Modi appreciated Cyprus for its support to India's fight against cross-border terrorism. "We are thankful for Cyprus' support to India's fight against cross-border terrorism," said Modi, who is currently on an official visit to Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. "We have a historic friendship, and there is trust in ties," Christodoulides said in his remarks. He recalled the horrific Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 and asserted that Cyprus stands in "full solidarity" with India. Cyprus "stands with India in its fight against terrorism" in all forms and manifestations, the President said. Christodoulides also referred to the Ahmedabad plane crash and said the people of Cyprus are with India in this time of grief. Modi and Christodoulides held wide-ranging talks, covering the full range of relations. During the joint press meet, Christodoulides said, "We also discussed the Cyprus issue with the prime minister," adding Cyprus wants to end the "illegal occupation" by Turkey, referring to the disputed northern region. "We extend the gratitude of the Republic of Cyprus to India and its people for their support. The support for the territorial integrity of Cyprus, our reunification," he said. The PM noted that mutual trust in democracy and the rule of law form a "strong foundation of our ties". "Our ties are neither made by circumstances nor limited. We respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. Modi said, "Together, we will shape the future." Highest civilian honour for Modi "Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the PM said. The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III. "I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights...," the prime minister said.


India Gazette
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Kashmiri silk carpet, silver clutch from Andhra: PM Modi's gifts to Cyprus President, First Lady celebrate Indian craftsmanship
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 16 (ANI): In a gesture that encapsulates India's rich craftsmanship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted an exquisite Kashmiri silk carpet to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and a silver clutch purse from Andhra Pradesh to the First Lady, Philippa Karsera, respectively, during his visit to Cyprus. The red-coloured carpet features traditional vine and geometric motifs. It showcases the prized two-tone effect, appearing to change colours based on the viewing angle and lighting--creating an illusion of two different carpets in one. The carpet gifted to the Cyprus President represented the skills of Kashmiri artisans. Speaking of the gift presented to the First Lady, Philippa Karsera, PM Modi chose a stunning silver clutch purse crafted in Andhra Pradesh. Made using the repousse technique, it has detailed floral designs inspired by temple and royal art. A semi-precious stone in the centre adds a touch of elegance, and its curved shape, fancy handle, and decorated edges give it a royal look. Once used mainly for special occasions, this purse is now a stylish accessory or collector's item, showing off India's rich craft tradition in a modern way. Earlier, on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest civilian honour in Cyprus, by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The Order of Makarios III is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. 'President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude,' PM Modi said. He further said, 'This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus.' He expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will touch new heights. He stated, 'I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.' PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time), marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International Airport. (ANI)


News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
From Kashmiri Carpet To Silver Purse, PM Modi Gifts Handcrafted Artefacts To Cyprus Leadership
Last Updated: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his five-day, three-nation tour on Sunday with a visit to Cyprus Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased a gesture of cultural diplomacy during his visit to Cyprus by presenting exquisitely handcrafted gifts to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his five-day, three-nation tour on Sunday with a visit to Cyprus — marking the first Indian prime ministerial trip to the island nation in more than 20 years. He was welcomed at the airport by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. As a symbol of India's rich artistic heritage, PM Modi gifted a Kashmiri handmade silk carpet to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. Known for their intricate craftsmanship, these carpets are woven using centuries-old techniques by artisans in the Kashmir Valley. The piece presented features deep red tones, fawn borders, and traditional vine and geometric motifs. Of special note is its prized two-tone effect, giving the illusion of two different carpets depending on the angle and lighting. To First Lady Philippa Christodoulides, the Prime Minister presented a silver clutch purse from Andhra Pradesh, which is crafted using the traditional repoussé technique. The purse, adorned with floral designs, is inspired by temple and royal art. With a semi-precious stone centerpiece, ornate edges, and a regal curved shape, the purse reflects India's fusion of heritage artistry and modern design. PM Modi's Meeting With Cyprus President On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in delegation-level discussions with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors. Prior to the talks, he was given a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace. The high-level meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. PM Modi Receives Highest Honour During his official visit to Cyprus, PM Modi was bestowed with the country's highest civilian award — The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III. Grateful for the prestigious honour, PM Modi dedicated it to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus. 'This honour is not just a recognition of me, Narendra Modi — it is an honour for 1.4 billion Indians. It is a tribute to their strength and aspirations," the Prime Minister said. He noted that the award also reflects an appreciation for India's culture, values, and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. First Published: June 16, 2025, 19:13 IST


The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
PM Modi leaves for Canada to attend G7 summit after concluding Cyprus visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 16, 2025) left for Canada to attend the G7 summit after concluding his visit to Cyprus during which he held wide-ranging talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and discussed a range of issues to boost ties. Mr. Modi is on a four-day, three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. He will arrive in Calgary at night on the second leg of his visit, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, to attend the G7 summit in Kananaskis. This is Mr. Modi's first visit to Canada in a decade. The Kananaskis gathering on June 16-17 is the Prime Minister's 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit. In a special gesture on Sunday (June 15, 2025), President Christodoulides welcomed PM Modi on his arrival at the Larnaca International Airport. Mr. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus in over two decades. During his visit, Mr. Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country's highest civilian honour. The Prime Minister on Sunday attended a business roundtable along with the Cypriot President. Addressing business leaders, Mr. Modi highlighted the "immense potential for growth" in bilateral ties between India and Cyprus.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India, Cyprus unite on sovereignty, seek peace amid rising global strain
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity during Modi's two-day visit to Cyprus from June 15–16. Amid global geopolitical tensions, both leaders emphasised the importance of upholding international law, including the UN Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and called for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in 23 years as a part of his three-nation tour, which includes stops in Croatia and Canada, where he is scheduled to attend the G7 Summit. On Monday, Cyprus conferred its highest civilian honour — the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III — on PM Modi in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. This is PM Modi's first foreign visit following 'Operation Sindoor', which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. PM Modi in Cyprus: Focus on economic cooperation, investment At a business meeting in Limassol, Modi highlighted India's growing economic stature as the world's fifth-largest economy and invited Cypriot businesses to invest in sectors like infrastructure, digital payments, AI, manufacturing, and green energy. Calling Cyprus a 'reliable partner', he stressed the importance of closer commercial cooperation and innovation partnerships. Both leaders reaffirmed their 'unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations', a key message amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. This message holds special importance given Cyprus' ongoing conflict with Turkiye, where questions about control of land and sea areas have remained unresolved for decades. Cyprus- Turkiye conflict Cyprus and Turkiye have a long-running territorial dispute that began after Turkiye invaded northern Cyprus in 1974, following a coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece. Since then, Cyprus has been divided, with the northern part controlled by a Turkish-backed administration, recognised only by Turkiye. Tensions persist over territorial waters and energy resources. Turkiye disputes Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims, objecting to offshore drilling and asserting overlapping rights, particularly in areas with significant gas reserves. Diplomatic efforts continue, but a resolution remains elusive as both sides hold firm to their positions. India-Cyprus relationship: Strengthening ties across sectors India and Cyprus agreed to institutionalise regular political dialogue through their foreign ministries and reaffirmed commitment to a peaceful, UN-led resolution to the Cyprus issue based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Both sides emphasised avoiding unilateral actions and fostering conditions for meaningful negotiations. On security, the leaders condemned all forms of terrorism and expressed zero tolerance for cross-border threats. Cyprus strongly supported India after the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. They called for dismantling terror networks, cutting off financing, and expediting a global convention against terrorism. Defence ties between the nations will deepen, focusing on cybersecurity, maritime security, and crisis response. The leaders endorsed the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, with Cyprus offering to serve as a regional logistics hub. Both countries also pledged to boost trade, innovation, and research collaboration. They plan to enhance tourism, finalise a mobility programme by 2025, and implement a five-year Action Plan to guide future cooperation.