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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
PM Modi's Kashmiri gift to Cyprus President a message for Erdogan?
PM Modi has conveyed New Delhi's unwavering and consistent support for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Cyprus, sending out a strong message to Ankara read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted a handmade Kashmiri silk carpet to President Nikos Christodoulides during his trip to Cyprus. The Indian leader is big on presenting goods that represent the country's rich cultural and historical heritage whenever he is on foreign trips. Cyprus has backed India in its fight against terrorism following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. 'Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India,' a joint declaration said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi's visit to Cyprus might be a hint to neighbouring Turkey, which has shown support to Pakistan despite the country's backing for terrorist organisations. He visited the capital city of Nicosia, which also remains divided, and was photographed with the flag of the Turkish-controlled north in the background, a moment that could be seen as a subtle yet deliberate geopolitical message. Cyprus remains a point of contention in the eastern Mediterranean as the island country has been divided since 1974, with Turkey controlling its northern part, which is recognised as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. India, however, like the rest of the international community, supports Cyprus's sovereignty over the region. PM Modi on Monday conveyed New Delhi's unwavering and consistent support for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Cyprus, sending out a strong message to Ankara. About the Kashmiri handmade carpet Officials said the handmade silk carpet is a masterpiece of India's cultural and artistic heritage, created by skilled artisans in the Kashmir valley using centuries-old hand-knotting techniques. Made from pure mulberry silk and dyed with natural colours, these carpets feature intricate designs inspired by the region's natural beauty – lakes, chinar trees and floral patterns. Known for their high knot density and luminous finish, they are treasured as heirlooms and symbols of prestige, tradition, and craftsmanship, they said. With inputs from agencies
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
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Cyprus Lawmaker Touches PM Modi's Feet During Welcome Ceremony In Nicosia
Last Updated: PM Modi acknowledged the moment graciously and appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. In an exemplary display of respect and reverence, Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, a member of Council of Nicosia, touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet when he arrived at the historic Centre of Nicosia along with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. PM Modi acknowledged the moment graciously and appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. The gesture reflects India's rising global presence and the deepening cultural bonds shared with nations across the world. #WATCH | Cyprus | Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, Member of Council of Nicosia, while welcoming PM Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia, touched PM Modi's feet as a mark of respect. The PM appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2025 PM Modi toured the capital city of Nicosia, which remains divided Turkey and Cyprus, and was photographed against the backdrop of the flag of the Turkish-controlled north — a moment analysts interpreted as a subtle but firm geopolitical signal. Earlier today, PM Modi held held delegation-level talks with Christodoulides to discuss a range of issues to boost the bilateral ties. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at the Presidential Palace ahead of the talks. This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decades. PM Modi's Cyprus Visit PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. After Cyprus, he is scheduled to visit Canada for the G7 summit, followed by a trip to Croatia. During his visit, PM Modi was honoured with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian award in Cyprus. 'Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the Prime Minister said after accepting the honour. The Order of Makarios III, named after Cyprus's first President Archbishop Makarios III, is the nation's most prestigious knighthood. Dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, Modi said it symbolised the enduring trust and friendship between India and Cyprus. 'I am confident that in the times ahead, our vibrant partnership will reach new heights. Together, we will not only advance the progress of our nations but also contribute to building a peaceful and secure world," he added.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Message To Erdogan? PM Modi Clicked With Cyprus President, Turkish-Controlled North In Backdrop
Last Updated: PM Modi toured the capital city of Nicosia, which too remains divided, and was photographed against the backdrop of the flag of the Turkish-controlled north India strongly backed Cyprus's 'independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Monday — a move widely seen as a clear message to Turkey, which claims part of the island nation. PM Modi toured the capital city of Nicosia, which too remains divided, and was photographed against the backdrop of the flag of the Turkish-controlled north — a moment analysts interpreted as a subtle but firm geopolitical signal. The gesture comes against the backdrop of Turkey's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's repeated remarks on Kashmir, which India has strongly opposed. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island. The northern part of Cyprus is under Turkish control and is recognised only by Ankara as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The rest of the international community — including India — recognises the Republic of Cyprus and supports its sovereignty over the entire island. Why PM Modi's Cyprus Visit En Route To G7 Summit In Canada Is Strategically Significant | Explained What Is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus? The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) refers to the self-declared state in the northern part of the island of Cyprus, which has been under Turkish control since 1974. This control followed a military intervention by Turkey in response to a coup in Cyprus that was backed by the Greek military junta. In 1983, the Turkish-held region unilaterally declared independence as the TRNC. However, the TRNC is recognized only by Turkey. No other country or international body — including the United Nations and the European Union — recognizes it as a sovereign state. The international community continues to view it as part of the Republic of Cyprus, which is considered the legitimate government of the entire island. The island remains divided along the Green Line, a UN-patrolled buffer zone that separates the Greek Cypriot-administered south from the Turkish-occupied north. Turkey is the only nation that recognizes the TRNC and provides it with financial, political, and military support. Ankara maintains a significant military presence in the north, and the TRNC is widely regarded as being politically and economically dependent on Turkey, often described as a Turkish-controlled entity. Why PM Modi's Visit to Cyprus Is a Strategic Signal to Turkey PM Modi's visit to Cyprus marks his first international trip since Operation Sindoor, dur ing which Turkey openly backed Pakistan—a move that did not go unnoticed in New Delhi. Notably, Cyprus is a neighbour and rival of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, adding geopolitical weight to the visit. This is only the third visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus, following Indira Gandhi in 1983 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. The timing is significant: India has grown increasingly wary of Turkey's diplomatic and military alignment with Pakistan, especially since the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Indian military response under Operation Sindoor. Turkey has been consistently critical of India on international platforms—particularly on Kashmir—and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has often sought to position himself as a pan-Islamic leader, challenging India's interests at global forums, including the United Nations. In response, India appears to be countering Turkey's regional ambitions by deepening its engagement with Turkey's traditional rivals—including Greece, Armenia, Egypt, and now Cyprus. These diplomatic overtures reflect a calibrated strategy by India to build alliances that isolate Ankara regionally and blunt its influence in South Asia and beyond.
India.com
05-06-2025
- India.com
This city is known as a ghost town, abandoned for 50 years, residents fled the entire city overnight due to..., it is located in..., name is...
This city is known as a ghost town, abandoned for 50 years, residents emptied the entire area overnight due to..., it is located in..., name is... There are many mysterious cities on this earth that a lot of people have never heard of. One such place is a city in the country of Cyprus known as Varosha. This city was once a vibrant and thriving tourist hotspot, it was famous for its beautiful beaches, tall buildings, luxury hotels, and exciting nightlife. But today, it stands abandoned, silent, lifeless, and frozen in time. Let's read what led the city in such a situation. What happened in 1974? Nearly 50 years ago, in July 1974, Varosha had a population of around 40,000 people but everything changed when Turkey launched a military invasion of Cyprus. This was in response to a coup in Cyprus which was backed by Greece aiming to unite the island with the Greek mainland. Fearing violence and mass killings, the entire population of Varosha fled overnight. People left behind their homes, shops, hotels, and even personal belongings. They sought safety in nearby towns and cities, hoping the conflict would end soon. But they never returned. Since that night, Varosha has remained empty. Buildings still stand, nature has taken over many areas, and everything is stuck in the past. It remains a ghost town. Cyprus was split into two After the Turkish invasion in 1974, Cyprus was divided into two separate regions i.e. the southern part became Greek Cyprus, and the northern part came under Turkish control, now known as Turkish Cyprus. Varosha, lies in the Turkish-controlled region and remains under the control of the Turkish military. The city has been sealed off completely. Civilians are strictly prohibited from entering. It's surrounded by fences and warning signs, and even trying to take photographs from outside can lead to arrest. The entire area remains cloaked in secrecy and mystery. What Varosha looks like today Even today, the tall buildings, hotels, restaurants, and bars in Varosha still stand just like they did in 1974. However, time has taken its toll. The structures are now crumbling ruins, slowly decaying under the sun and wind. The once-beautiful beaches along the coast have been shut down, fenced off from public access. A small section of the city was recently reopened, but even that is accessible only for a short time and under strict restrictions.
